NEEDHAM, Mass., Aug. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the
Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) kicked off the bike-a-thon's 2015 ride
weekend, as cyclists from 40 states and five countries crossed
starting lines in both Sturbridge
and Wellesley, Massachusetts. A
total of 6,000 cyclists, joined by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty
Walsh, will ride across Massachusetts with the collective goal of
raising $45 million to support adult
and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute (DFCI) through the Jimmy Fund, helping to bring
the PMC's 35-year fundraising total to a half billion dollars
raised since the organization's inception in 1980.
During PMC weekend, cyclists from across the world, ranging from
ages 13 to 82, unite to become one extended family, choosing
from 12 different routes of varying mileage that run through 46
Massachusetts towns designed to cater to all levels of cycling
strength and fundraising ability. Many participants ride in honor
of a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for, cancer,
as 100 percent of every rider raised dollar goes directly to DFCI
through the Jimmy Fund. The weekend is especially meaningful to the
600 riders and volunteers whom are cancer survivors or current
patients, considered "Living Proof" of the PMC mission to find a
cure.
"The passion our riders have for cycling and funding cures for
cancer is incredibly evident. Each year, this passion is magnified,
as more riders and volunteers join the PMC family and share in the
special bond that will keep them coming back year after year," said
Billy Starr, founder and executive
director of the PMC. "It's this bond, and unique camaraderie, that
makes our achievements in support of Dana-Farber so remarkable. I
wish all of our riders a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable PMC ride
weekend!"
"Each year, we are astonished by the unparalleled support that
Dana-Farber receives from the PMC, and this year is no different,"
said Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD,
president and chief executive officer, Dana-Farber. "More riders
mean more opportunities to invest in life-saving breakthroughs in
cancer research, from genomics and immunotherapy to chemistry and
patient care. We are deeply grateful for the PMC's partnership and
unwavering commitment to our work as we join forces to change the
face of cancer care for generations to come."
One-day routes include riding from Wellesley or Sturbridge to Bourne, Wellesley to Patriot Place and Bourne to Provincetown. Two-day routes include
Wellesley or Sturbridge to Provincetown, and Wellesley or Sturbridge to Bourne and back. The average cyclist trains
for three months, solicits 40 sponsors, and raises more than
$6,500.
Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh will both be riding the one-day,
25 mile route from Wellesley to
Patriot Place on Sunday, August 2.
Both will be presenting opening remarks at Opening Ceremonies at
Wellesley on Sunday morning. The
Mayor, a childhood cancer survivor, and Governor Baker announced
their participation at the PMC's Heavy Hitter Dinner in May, which
celebrated the organization's top fundraisers in 2014.
The PMC was started in 1980 when Starr and 35 of his friends
rode across Massachusetts and
raised $10,200 for cancer research.
It is recognized as the pioneering event that connected athleticism
to charitable fundraising. Today, athletic fundraising events
annually raise more than $4 billion,
funding crucial programs at health and human service organizations
nationwide.
The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and the New
Balance Foundation. Another 200 companies support the event by
providing more than $4 million in
goods and services each year. During PMC weekend and throughout the
year, more than 4,000 volunteers donate their time to support the
organization.
No other single athletic event raises or contributes more money
to charity than the PMC. The PMC is Dana-Farber's largest single
contributor, raising more than 50 percent of the Jimmy Fund's
annual revenue. To make a financial contribution to a rider,
visit www.pmc.org, or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with
#PMC2015
on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
About the Pan-Mass Challenge
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that
today raised more money for charity than any other single athletic
fundraising event in the world. The PMC was founded in 1980 by
Billy Starr, who remains the event's
executive director, an annual cyclist, and a fundraiser. The PMC
has since raised $455 million for
adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The event donates 100
percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause. The PMC
generates more than 50 percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue
and is Dana-Farber's single largest contributor. The PMC has
successfully melded support from committed cyclists, volunteers,
corporate sponsors and individual contributors. All are essential
to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising
efficiency while increasing its annual gift. The PMC's hope and
aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers with
the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers. For more
information on the Pan-Mass Challenge, log
onto www.pmc.org.
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SOURCE Pan-Mass Challenge