February 2, 2005
Spokes in the Pan-Mass Challenge
Wheel
Youth Across Massachusetts Ride to Raise Money for Cancer Research
Hundreds of children across Massachusetts will use pedal power to raise money for cancer research and treatment this summer. They are PMC Kids, children affiliated with the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), the two-day bike-a-thon and the most successful athletic fundraising event in the nation.
PMC Kids' rides will take place year-round in many different towns across the Commonwealth, and will potentially take place across the country as the program grows, according to PMC Kids organizers. Modeled after the PMC, which draws 4,000 cyclists from around the globe to ride across Massachusetts each August, PMC Kids' rides are mini bike-a-thons designed for children between the ages of three and 15. About 100 children participate in each PMC Kids' ride, cycling between two and 25 miles. Known as spokes in the PMC wheel, PMC Kids' rides are furthering the PMC's mission to raise money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Since 1980, the PMC has raised more than $122 million for the Jimmy Fund.
PMC Kids' rides have raised nearly $80,000 over the past six years since the first unofficial PMC Kids ride began. In 2004, three PMC Kids' rides brought in $40,000.
Many of the PMC Kids' rides were started by children of PMC cyclists. Since children must be at least 15 to ride in the PMC, the youth created their own bike-a-thons so they could also ride to raise money for cancer research. Some of the children have lost loved ones to cancer and feel compelled to do something in their honor.
These young cyclists are the next generation of the PMC and represent a movement of young people involved in volunteerism and charitable fundraising, according to PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr. "PMC Kids started as a fun way for PMC cyclists to get their children involved in the cause," Starr said. "By encouraging children to be activists, we are introducing them to a potential lifelong commitment to helping others. Most importantly, PMC Kids are raising a lot of money for cancer research while boosting their own health by biking."
About the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge
The 26th annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), presented by the Boston Red Sox, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6 and 7. Open to 4,000 cyclists, the PMC raises funds for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Cyclists can choose from six one- or two-day routes, logging between 89 and 192 miles in Massachusetts. Minimum fundraising requirements range from $2,000 to $3,000, depending upon the route chosen. The registration fee is $150. Support services, meals, and overnight accommodations are provided. For more information, or to register, visit www.pmc.org or call (800) WE-CYCLE.
