Two area riders participate in race to raise millions for cancer research

On Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) will bring together more than 6,000 cyclists and 4,000 volunteers to raise money for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Participants from local communities will be among those helping support the PMC’s mission to fund lifesaving cancer research and treatment.

Jon Chase, of West Dover, and Abigail Arnold, of Halifax, will be riding.

The PMC, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraiser in the world, is aiming to raise more than ever this year, with a fundraising goal of $79 million.

The event comes at an especially critical time, with federal research support shrinking, grant approval rates reaching historic lows, and cancer cases continuing to rise. For the 20th consecutive year, 100% of every rider-raised dollar will go directly to Dana-Farber, one of the nation’s top three hospitals for cancer research and care.

Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber, making it the organization’s largest single contributor and accounting for 67% of the annual revenue of The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber’s community-driven fundraising arm. This unrestricted annual funding has accelerated advancements in cancer research, deeply benefiting patients across the world.

Annually, thousands of cyclists and volunteers come together from across the world, hailing from 47 US states and 12 countries, with a shared purpose of raising as much money as possible for Dana-Farber. Cyclists ride routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles.

Included among these participants is the PMC Living Proof community, riders and volunteers who were previously treated or are currently undergoing cancer treatment and serve as living proof of the progress made through raising funds for cancer research and treatment.

Learn more and register at PMC.org.