Printer Friendly Version - Seven Local Cyclists Ready to Ride for Cancer Research in the Pan-Mass Challenge

Seven local cyclists will raise money for cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute by participating in the Pan-Mass Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 5 and Sunday, Aug. 6. Pictured are three past participants from the event. Photo courtesy of Hannah Charney

On Saturday, Aug. 5 and Sunday, Aug. 6, seven riders from the Shoreline area will cycle up to 192 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) with the goal of raising $48 million for critical research and cancer care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The seven local PMC riders are Michael Pendleton of Clinton, along with Bob Conerly (Guilford), Nicole Barucci (Guilford), Joseph Myers (Madison), Jason McCreary (Madison), Mark Warren (Old Saybrook), and Christine Picklo (Old Saybrook).

During PMC weekend, more than 6,200 cyclists from more than 40 states and eight countries will return to Massachusetts to participate in the PMC, choosing from 12 routes of varying mileage that run through 46 towns. The cyclists are anywhere between the ages of 15 and 84 and range from seasoned tri-athletes to weekend warriors who are training specifically for this event.

“We are thrilled to be approaching our 38th PMC ride weekend. Seeing our growth over the years has been truly incredible and we look forward to achieving our fundraising goal of $48 million for [the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute],” said Billy Starr, the founder and executive director of the PMC. “We want to wish all of our riders and volunteers a safe and enjoyable ride weekend. I’ll see everyone out on the road.”

Many riders participate in the PMC to honor a family member or friend that passed away from or is being treated for cancer. More than 600 riders and volunteers for this event are cancer survivors or current patients and are living proof of the PMC’s mission to find a cure. The average cyclist trains for three months, solicits 40 sponsors, and raises more than $7,000. Volunteers, spectators, donors, and sponsors are part of the camaraderie on ride weekend, as they are all working together toward a cure.

No other athletic event raises or contributes more money to charity than the PMC. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $547 million dollars for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund, which is its fundraising arm. In fact, the PMC is the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s largest single contributor, raising more than 52 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.

The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and New Balance. To make a financial contribution to a rider from your town or become a virtual rider, visit www.pmc.org or contact 1-800-WE-CYCLE (1-800-932-9253). You can also connect with #PanMass2017 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.