Bedford residents to participate in 2020 Pan-Mass Challenge

BEDFORD, NH — On Aug. 1, more than 10,000 participants, including seven residents from Bedford, will virtually take part in the reimagined 2020 Pan-Mass Challenge with the goal of raising critical funds for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The organization’s traditional ride, which typically includes 12 routes spanning 25-192 miles over the first weekend of every August, will be transformed into an interactive experience on Aug. 1, following an Opening Ceremonies television broadcast to kick things off July 31. PMC 2020 Reimagined will remotely bring together riders, volunteers, donors and supporters from around the globe to virtually celebrate the spirit of PMC weekend.

“As we prepare for PMC 2020 Reimagined, we are grateful for the continued support from our growing community,” said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC. “It is thanks to the unwavering passion and commitment of our riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors that the PMC can continue to make tangible impact on advancements in cancer research and treatment, even through this difficult time. We look forward to having old and new participants join us on Aug. 1, bound together by our dream of a world without cancer.”

While this year’s PMC will be different in its execution, the organization and its community remains fully committed to its fundraising efforts in support of life-saving cancer research, treatment and care at Dana-Farber. Every rider-raised dollar is donated directly to Dana-Farber through the its fundraising arm, the Jimmy Fund, accounting for more than 57% of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue In 2019, the PMC donated $63 million to Dana-Farber, bringing it’s 40-year contribution to more than $717 million.

The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation. To make a financial contribution to a rider from a town or to become a virtual rider, visit https://pmc.org, or call 800-932-9253. Connect with #PMC2020 #PMCReimagined on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The following participants are from Bedford: Olaf Zwickau, David Hammer, Terry Flahive, Marie Riddell, Anthony Chismark, Eric Berg and Larry Gagnon.