This weekend, more than 6,000 riders from around the globe, including 38 residents from Concord, will pedal in the 44th Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). With the common goal of raising a record-breaking $70 million for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, this would be the single largest gift Dana-Farber has ever received, bringing the PMC’s total contribution in the fight against cancer to $970 million since 1980.
As the nation’s single most successful athletic fundraiser, the fully supported bike-a-thon includes one and two-day routes from 25 to 211 miles, designed to cater to all levels of cycling and fundraising ability. For the 17th consecutive year, 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar will be donated directly to Dana-Farber to support lifesaving cancer research and treatment. The PMC accounts for more than 60 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue as Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor.
“The steadfast commitment of the PMC community year after year continues to inspire me,” said Billy Starr, PMC founder and executive director. “With our sights set on a record-breaking fundraising goal for PMC 2023, I’m grateful for the continued support from all PMC riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors, and I can’t wait to see everyone out on the road together this August.”
Riders and volunteers will travel from 43 states and 8 countries to participate in PMC Ride Weekend festivities in Massachusetts. Most participate in honor of a family member or friend fighting cancer, and 950 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients, considered “Living Proof” of the PMC mission. There are also 150 Dana-Farber employees committed to the cause as riders and volunteers — in some cases to fund their own cancer research.The PMC is co-presented by the Red Sox Foundation and M&T Bank. To make a financial contribution to a rider from your town or to register as a rider, visit www.pmc.org or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with #PMC2023 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
