Bike-a-thon raises $56M for cancer research
PMC founder presents ‘fuel’ to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The Pan-Mass Challenge went above and beyond its goal this year, announcing yesterday that participants raised $56 million for cancer research — $4 million more than they anticipated.
PMC founder Billy Starr presented the multimillion-dollar donation yesterday to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at the organization’s annual check reveal.
“We provide the fuel to propel cancer research,” Starr said.
More than 6,400 riders participated in the fundraiser this year — a two-day bike-a-thon across Massachusetts on Aug. 4-5. Participants come from around the world to participate, and 100 percent of the money raised goes to Dana-Farber.
“Since we started 39 years ago, we have raised $598 million and every penny has gone towards cancer research, and that doesn’t even include today’s donation,” said Laurie H. Glimcher, president and CEO of Dana-Farber. “It has been such a privilege to ride with all of you.”
For the riders, the event is more than just about raising money, it is about bringing a family together.
The Holland family has been participating in PMC for more than two decades, riding and volunteer- ing after losing a number of family members to cancer.
“We say donate or ride or volunteer, whatever, just get involved,” said Haley Holland, who has been volunteering for PMC since she was a 2-year-old. “Once you start though you won’t ever want to get out.”
She said she remembers being young and decorating signs for the riders.
“I never understood when no one else knew what PMC was, because it was my life,” Holland said.
Her mother, Jainey Holland, has been participating in the organization for nearly 30 years and says her favorite thing about it is the community it creates.
“It really is like a family,” Jainey Holland said. “And when your own family is benefiting from it, it makes you want to participate, but it is really amazing.”
Starr started PMC after losing his own mother to cancer.
“This is what came out of it, I wanted to do something,” Starr said. “I know my mom would be pleased.”
This year’s ride was especially difficult, with the heat and humidity playing a significant factor.
“It was still a wonderful year,” Starr said. “Saturday was a challenge ... but you rode and smiled and worked together as champs.”
“I knew you could handle it because we have such passionate constituents,” Starr said.
“I am pleased (with what we have done) and I think we are capable of more,” Starr said. “Just like we say, you just have to do it a mile at a time.”