Nation’s Most Successful Bike-A-Thon Rallies Cancer Community in its Unwavering Commitment to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country, is adapting its 2020 ride to maintain its commitment to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber) while prioritizing the health and safety of its riders and volunteers. The organization’s traditional ride, which typically includes 12 routes spanning 25 to 192 miles over the first weekend of every August, will be transformed into an interactive experience on August 1, 2020. The “Reimagined PMC” will bring together thousands of riders, volunteers, donors and supporters from their hometowns around the globe to celebrate the spirit of PMC weekend while making an unparalleled impact on the fight against cancer.

As Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor, accounting for 57% of its Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue, the organization remains committed to raising critical funding for lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care and maintaining its 100% pass-through rate for rider-raised dollars this year. The PMC, widely regarded as a pioneer in athletic fundraising, is now trailblazing during these unprecedented times with a reimagined event that will evoke the sense of camaraderie and community synonymous with PMC Ride Weekend. In partnership with its presenting sponsor, the Red Sox Foundation, and its media partners, CBS Boston (WBZ-TV) and WROR, PMC 2020 Reimagined will come to life with pre-taped, as well as real-time, content.

“Coming together the first weekend of every August is a beloved tradition for thousands of PMC participants. While we’re unable to move forward with our ride safely in the same way we have over the past 40 years, we cannot and will not let our community or Dana-Farber down,” said Billy Starr, PMC Founder and Executive Director. “Our mission to support Dana-Farber in the fight against cancer is more important than ever. And in reimagining what our event can be, we hope to inspire even more participation from those joining us at home.”

PMC 2020 Reimagined will include many of the beloved activities that riders, volunteers, donors and spectators partake in during a traditional PMC Ride Weekend – complete with fun twists and unique virtual adaptations that make it easy to participate from home or their neighborhood, including:

·        PMC 2020 Reimagined Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 31

·        An official “starting line” to symbolize the commencement of the 2020 PMC on Saturday, Aug. 1

·        The PMC Pedal Partner Tent, in partnership with Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic

·        Entertainment and celebration at Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s quad

·        A global “Living Proof” toast to honor those that are currently undergoing, or have undergone, cancer treatment

“We are incredibly grateful for the PMC’s unwavering dedication to Dana-Farber. Their creative thinking in rallying their community around an event that provides essential funding for our institution and patients is a shining example of agility and commitment. Cancer doesn’t stop even during these difficult days. PMC dollars are critical to support the world-class cancer care and additional resources we provide our patients and their families, and we are especially thankful for this seed gift and the ongoing support,” said Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dana-Farber.

PMC 2020 Reimagined will build upon the organization’s impressive efforts to support Dana-Farber as the institute navigates the implications of the coronavirus pandemic. Today, the PMC released $4 million of funds raised thus far this year to act as seed funding for Dana-Farber’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which supports patients currently receiving care. In 2019, the PMC donated $63 million to Dana-Farber, the largest financial gift ever received by the institute, helping fund lifesaving cancer research, treatment and patient care efforts.

To commit to the cause or make a financial contribution, visit www.pmc.org or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with #PMC2020 on Facebook, Twitter, 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 41^stPMC will take place on August 1, 2020. 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 $717 million for adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The event donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause, generating 57% 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. It is ranked in the top 5 of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Hospitals for both adult and pediatric cancer care. Dana-Farber’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement, and advocacy. We provide the latest in cancer care for adults through Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center and for children through Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. 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.