Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer research

By Owen Boss

NEEDHAM — On the first weekend of August, many area residents will join the approximately 5,500 cyclists from 36 states and eight countries to ride across the commonwealth in the 29th annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, a bike-a-thon that is the largest athletic fundraising effort in the country and is expected to raise $34 million for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. According to the challenge’s Spokeswoman Jackie Herskovitz, the bike-a-thon has generated more than $204 million for cancer research since the original ride in 1980, and has become an event that participants plan their summers around. “In 1980, 36 riders were able to raise $10,200 for cancer research and it has grown significantly over the past 29 years to the point where this year our goal is to raise more than $34 million,” said Ms. Herskovitz. “ We have cyclists that have participated in the event for more than 25 years, we have a 70 percent retention rate, and the average rider has ridden with us for four years or more.” The challenge’s fundraising minimum is between $1,300 and $4,000, depending on the route chosen, and the average cyclist raises more than $6,000. And to ensure that the event will donate 100 percent of its proceeds to cancer research, Ms. Herskovitz said organizers depend on a work force of 2,600 volunteers to cook meals, man water stops and coordinate the event. “Every 20 miles along the route there is a water stop with themes and music; it’s like every 20 miles you get into a little mini-party complete with bathrooms, bike mechanics and medical assistance if you need aspirin or are suffering from an ailment,” said Ms. Herskovitz. “Then at the end of the first day there is a big party with a bunch of grills and a stage with live bands performing for hours. Also, we have showers and hundreds of massage therapists that come and volunteer their time so that each rider can clean up, change their clothes and receive a 15-minute massage.” The cycling event offers participants seven different routes to choose from depending on their athletic ability. “You can sign up for a 47-miler and we also offer a 190-mile ride, which is a two-day event,” said Ms. Herskovitz. “We offer variations for the cyclists because there are differences in how far they can ride.” Riders can specify which area of cancer research their money will be donated to, or just donate it to the Jimmy Fund in general, but Ms. Herskovitz said that no matter where it is going, every dollar raised will make a huge difference for patients with cancer. “Some riders earmark their money for specific research, like a type of cancer or sarcoma, but the majority just send it all to the Jimmy Fund and that money is used then used by Dana Farber as seed money and funds research that would not yet be paid for through the National Institute for Health,” said Ms. Herskovitz. “It’s often hard for new scientists to get the funding they need to develop their ideas, and that’s were the PMC comes in.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 5 on 7/5/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 158)