Dozens of Marbleheaders joined 6,500 cyclists and more than 3,500 volunteers at the Pan-Mass Challenge last weekend, with the shared goal of raising a record-breaking $79 million to support critical cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The annual bike-a-thon, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraiser in the world, was aiming to raise
Organizers say this year’s PMC 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.
“The theme for this year’s PMC, which is ‘now, more than ever,’ underscores the paramount importance of every single dollar raised in fueling the search for a cure,” said Billy Starr, founder and chairman of the PMC. “We are endlessly grateful to every rider, volunteer, donor and sponsor who makes the PMC possible. Because of their training miles, long hours of volunteering, generous support, and unwavering commitment, we are moving ever closer to a world without cancer.”
Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber
Every year, riders choose from various courses and cross the finish line in Provincetown.
Among this year’s Marblehead riders was Angus McQuilken, who has participated in the PMC for 18 years since his diagnosis with colon cancer at age 36.
“The PMC has been part of my life for 18 years, since my diagnosis with colon cancer at age 36,” McQuilken told the Current. “I ride with Team Kermit, and they are like family to me. The PMC has always been my way of giving back to Dana-Farber, in appreciation of the world-class care that I received there.”
McQuilken has raised more than $118,000 through his previous 17 rides and set a goal of raising an additional $12,000 this year. His story can be found at https://profile.pmc.org/AM0227.
This year’s Marblehead riders included:
Kathleen Vander Laan
Mark Meyer
Martha Willis
Ian Boldt
Moira James
David Manganis
Craig Carpenter
Chris Morrissey
Neill Silva
Jack Manganis
Mark Pappas
Adelaide Egan
William Kirby
Rebecca Pappas
James McCarthy
Kris Dabrowiecki
George Abatjoglou
Anastasie Sycheva
Christopher Cohen
Andrew Bendheim
Howard Needel
Louis Mayle
Kristin O’Neil-Callahan
Angus McQuilken
Gabrielle Coffman
Nathan Van Houzen
Caroline McCarthy
Michael McLaughlin
Stephen Garfield
Tom Cushman
Robert Rieckelman
Tara Mathison
David Kennedy
Bill Willis
Emma Garfield
Peter Reuter
Phoebe Burr
Several Marbleheaders also volunteered during the event. They included Ed Stern, David Manganis, Karen Meyer, Jack Manganis, Ellen Jarrett, Brenda Beaton, Jack Grady, Angus McQuilken, Stacey Kraft and Erin McCarthy.
