It all started about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with Stage 2B Bulky Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 45. I was very fortunate to find an amazing team of doctors and nurses at Dana Farber, a place that I still call home even to this day even when Im only visiting once a year. I knew that once I beat this, I wanted to be able to give back to this amazing "family" that I am now a part of. 

So, how did I become a cycling lover? Well, when I was beginning to get back to my normal life after treatment, I had gained a serious amount of weight due to the steroids. I returned to the gym with a new lease on life knowing that I had some work ahead. Walking on the treadmill/elliptical was tough on me as the neuropathy in my feet was brutal at first. My personal trainer mentioned to me how about trying a 30 minute cycling class...I thought, NO WAY,.those people are NUTS!! However, being open minded, I gave it a try....only to find out that I LOVED it!! I found myself signing up for multiple classes weekly and set out on a goal to one day become certified to teach. 

Cycling made me feel strong, stronger that I had felt in a long time. As I participated in more and more classes, I also started to sign up for other riding events and even signed up for my first 5k. Fast forward to 3 years later and  I am now a certified Ride/R30 instructor at my gym. I took my love of cycling and turned it into a way for me to continue on my health journey, but to also inspire others. Cycling has done so much for me mentally and physically, I am so excited to be able to take that drive and give back to an organization that does so much for Cancer patients. I am forever grateful for everything this great organization does to help those still in their fight....and am grateful that I can give back.

WHOOP, the human performance company, today announced that for the first time, WHOOP Live stats will be displayed during the PMC Winter Cycle on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Fenway Park. The sold-out indoor spinning event kicks off 2020 fundraising efforts for the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), following a record-breaking $63 million gift to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 2019.

The Pan-Mass Challenge is pleased to announce that Cambridge-based cancer genomics insights company, Foundation Medicine, will be an official sponsor of the 2020 PMC Winter Cycle. In support of the partnership, 25 Foundation Medicine employees will participate as PMC Winter Cycle riders, helping to kickstart Pan-Mass Challenge fundraising efforts for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Just 8 years ago (in December 2011) I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer and began my journey to remission and recover at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  Less than a year after my journey began, I rode in my first PMC from Sturbridge to Provincetown.  Since then I have participated in the PMC 6 more times as well as my first Winter Cycle in 2019 and have raised over $124,000.

The Pan-Mass Challenge is pleased to announce that TIEM has signed on to be an official sponsor of the PMC Winter Cycle, the organization’s indoor spinning fundraiser that kicks off fundraising efforts for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute each year.

In April of 2007, as an otherwise healthy and active 28 year old, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Thanks to decades of investment this cancer is eminently treatable and curable, and after 6 months of chemotherapy and radiation I was cancer free, and have been fortunate to remain so over the last decade plus. In that 12 year span I was fortunate to discover the singular true joy in life, becoming a father to my wonderful son Sean. A few generations ago that would not have been possible for me.

Why I PMC? 

My original reason for riding was to raise some money for cancer research, but as the years have gone by my intentions have become very personal. As so many people can agree most everyone has been touched by cancer. Friends, family, community members, but this year my focus changed when the 3 year old son of a friend was diagnosed with brain cancer and in the middle of his treatment his mother, Lisa forty years old was diagnosed with breast cancer. All of a sudden two thirds of their sweet family were battling cancer!

The Pan-Mass Challenge today announced the largest financial gift ever given to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The record-breaking $63 million check exceeds this year’s $60 million goal and brings the PMC’s 40-year fundraising total to $717 million. 

For a third consecutive year, the PMC Winter Cycle will be held at Fenway Park! Join us on Saturday, January 25, 2020, to raise money for research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Register to ride or volunteer and be part of this inspiring event!

Laurie H. Glimcher, M.D., President and CEO Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, sent a thank you letter to the PMC Winter CYcle Office that we want to share with all of you

I would like to congratulate you on another successful PMC Winter Cycle. What a great way to ride into the 40th anniversary year of the Pan-Mass Challenge and build on the momentum from its $56 million record-breaking milestone last year.

Why I PMC is a simple question to answer. I PMC for my #1 “ride or die”, my father, who is currently being treated at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.