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The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that crosses the commonwealth of Massachusetts with a mission of raising money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its' Jimmy Fund. YOU CAN HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER!

On August 2nd and 3rd of this year, Jonathon Jasak, John Morin, and Michael Swiatlowski will be participating in the 29th Pan-Mass Challenge (as Team Palmer Pedal Power) to help raise money for the fight against cancer. We are asking for your support to help us reach our fundraising goal.

---What exactly is the Pan-Mass Challenge?
It is the nation’s original fundraising bike-a-thon and today raises more money than any other athletic charity event in the country. Again, the mission is to raise money for life-saving cancer research. The PMC was formed in 1980 when 36 riders raised $10,200 by pledging to bicycle across Massachusetts. The organization has since grown to the point where over 5,000 riders and 2,500 volunteers participate annually. The event has become a model of efficiency, which allows the PMC to deliver 99% of the money raised directly to the Jimmy Fund and the fight against cancer. There are very few organizations that can deliver that high of a gift-percentage. The PMC now generates nearly 50% of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue with a total contribution of $204,000,000.

---What is Team Palmer Pedal Power's goal?
In order to participate in the PMC each rider must choose one of eight routes that range from 70 to 192 miles and commit to raise a specific amount of money based upon the ride that they have chosen. We have chosen the two-day, 192 mile ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown and have committed to raising a team minimum of $12,000. You can view our team profile on the PMC page here.

Jonathon Jasak -- In March 2001, I was diagnosed with Neuro-Blastoma. After a nine hour surgery, six months of chemotherapy, and two months of radiation, I am now in my seventh year of remission. I will celebrate with a ride in the PMC.

Johnny Morin -- Six years ago, my father was diagnosed with cancer. He had a long hard battle with the disease before passing away in July of 2005. I felt helpless. This was one thing I could not fix. I am riding in honor of my father.

Michael Swiatlowski -- Listening to a best friend explain that he has an unexplainable cancer was one of the most shocking moments in my life. I promised all of my help and support through his treatment. In August, we’re riding the PMC together.

(As a team) -- We love riding bikes; we hate cancer.

Simply put, the Jimmy Fund needs financial support. There are two, very easy ways to make a tax deductible donation:

• BY CHECK - Please make checks payable to the "Pan Mass Challenge" and mail to: Michael Swiatlowski, 2206 Main St, Three Rivers, MA 01080.

• ONLINE - Simply visit our donation page and make a safe, secure, paperless donation through the official PMC server. It takes seconds!

If you're making a personal donation, be sure to check if your employer has a GIFT MATCHING PROGRAM (it might double your contribution!). Also, we'll include you in our 2008 Fundraising Raffle. There's a ton of prizes & money to win throughout the month of July!

We would like to thank you in advance for any gift you can give. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at team@palmerpedalpower.org.