PAN MASS CHALLENGE BIKE RIDE
August 2, 2003

Dear Friends:

Thank you very much for your contribution to this year’s Pan Mass Challenge. It was great for me to be a real participant! I have been supporting others for years -- this was even better. I think we should try to have a an Avicon team next year!

The PMC is on target to achieve this year’s fund-raising goal of $16M ($13M are already in the bank) for the Dana Farber Cancer Center.

A few statistics about this year’s event: 3,582 riders participated, with 2,208 leaving from Sturbridge (my departure point). The riders came from 37 states and six different countries. Ages ranged from 15 years to 79 years. 1,931 volunteers provided incredibly support before, during and after the ride.

This was my first ride, and I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to participate. Being on the road with almost 4000 riders, all pursuing one common goal was an incredible experience. We started in the rain (it had been pouring all night) but after 6:00 AM the rain gave way to a light drizzle and around 10:30 AM the sun came through and it turned into a very nice day for a bike ride.

The best and most emotional part came from the supporters along the way. Some were cheering us on and others were thanking the PMC riders with signs and testimonials. One little boy and his family were holding a large picture of the boy as a baby in the cancer ward and a big sign saying: “Thank You! I am now eight years old!”. A bit further down the road a man was sitting next to a sign saying “Thank You – I am a 20 year cancer survivor!” The sign was printed, but the number was hand-written.

These little encounters made me very aware of how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to ride, help collect the money and make a difference. I am already looking forward to next year.

Thank you so much for your support!
Marc