World's Single Most Successful Athletic
Fundraiser Aims to Raise Unprecedented $75
million in 2024
BOSTON, August 3,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4, the Pan-Mass Challenge
(PMC) will bring together thousands of cyclists and volunteers
from around the world with a goal of raising $75 million during its milestone 45th
ride. This year, the PMC crossed $1
billion in lifetime fundraising for cancer research and
treatment for its sole beneficiary, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute.
When the PMC was founded in 1980, there were fewer than five
million cancer survivors in the United
States. Today, that number is more than 18 million—and
growing. As Dana-Farber's largest single contributor—accounting for
62 percent of its Jimmy Fund's annual revenue—PMC funding has
enabled the Institute to drive change in how cancer is researched
and treated. The PMC's "fingerprints" can be found in every
research breakthrough and all areas of care, from immunotherapy to
cancer care equity efforts. PMC funding assists with many
innovative programs including Dana-Farber's ongoing work to treat
pediatric brain cancer that led to recent FDA approval of
tovorafenib (now known as OJEMDA). The drug targets for
pediatric low-grade glioma in patients six months and older. Many
of the drug's early clinical trials were funded directly by PMC
riders who had family members with pediatric brain
cancer.
For the 18th consecutive year, the PMC will donate
100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber to
support trailblazing innovations like this that save lives and
advance the standards of care in the fight against cancer.
"This is a momentous year for the PMC and our community—from our
cyclists to our volunteers, donors and sponsors," said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of
the PMC and a Dana-Farber trustee. "While I knew in 1980 that I had
created something special, I couldn't have predicted the PMC would
turn into the fundraising behemoth it is today. As I saddle up for
my 45th ride, I am immensely grateful for each and every
individual who has contributed to this $1
billion fundraising achievement and who will help us kick
start fundraising towards our next billion."
PMC 2024 will bring together 6,800 riders from 10 countries and
45 states and territories, including many who ride in honor of
someone close to them who has been affected by cancer. In addition,
3,500 volunteers will support the event across the rides' 16 one-
and two-day routes throughout Massachusetts. The
routes range from 25 to 211 miles and accommodate all levels
of cycling and fundraising ability. At the cornerstone of the PMC
community are the more than 1,100 riders and volunteers who are
cancer survivors and current patients, considered Living Proof® of
the PMC's mission, and the progress made through fundraising
for cancer research and care.
"For over four and a half decades, PMC funding has played an
integral and impactful role in our researchers' and doctors'
abilities to innovate and discover new ways to treat cancer," said
Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, president
and chief executive officer of Dana-Farber. "The energy and
excitement each PMC Weekend brings is unmatched—I'm looking forward
to cheering on the PMC community, including 160 Dana-Farber
colleagues who are riding and volunteering, as we celebrate
crossing $1 billion raised
together."
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,
visit www.pmc.org, or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with
#PMC2024 on Facebook, X, Instagram
and LinkedIn.
About the Pan-Mass Challenge
The Pan-Mass Challenge
(PMC) is a bike-a-thon that today raises 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 $972 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, generating 62
percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue as Dana-Farber's single
largest contributor. The PMC has successfully melded support from
committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual
contributors, all of which 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, visit www.pmc.org.
About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute is one of the world's leading centers of cancer
research and treatment. Dana-Farber's mission is to reduce the
burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care,
education, community engagement, and advocacy. Dana-Farber is a
federally designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a teaching
affiliate of Harvard Medical School. We
provide the latest treatments in cancer for adults through
Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center and for children through
Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
Dana-Farber is the only hospital nationwide with a top 5 U.S.
News & World Report Best Cancer Hospital ranking in both
adult and pediatric care. As a global leader in oncology,
Dana-Farber is dedicated to a unique and equal balance between
cancer research and care, translating the results of discovery into
new treatments for patients locally and around the world, offering
more than 1,100 clinical trials.
Media Contact:
Taylor Sheehan
taylor.sheehan@porternovelli.com
585-797-8370
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SOURCE Pan-Mass Challenge