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The Pan-Mass Challenge exceeded its target this year, announcing yesterday that participants had raised $ 56 million for cancer research, $ 4 million more than expected.
PMC founder Billy Starr presented the multi-million dollar donation yesterday at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on the organization's annual check.
"We provide the fuel for cancer research," said Starr.
More than 6,400 runners participated in this year's fundraiser – a two-day cyclo-tuna across Massachusetts on August 4 and 5. Participants come from around the world and 100% of the funds raised go to Dana-Farber.
"Since our inception, 39 years ago, we have raised $ 598 million and every penny has been spent on cancer research, not to mention the gift of today," said Laurie H Glimcher, President and CEO of Dana-Farber. "It was such a privilege to ride with you all."
For runners, the event is not just about raising money, it is about getting a family together.
The Holland family has been involved in the CGP for over two decades, riding and volunteering after losing several family members to cancer.
"We say donate, go up or volunteer, whatever, make a commitment," said Haley Holland, who has been volunteering for PMC since the age of 2. "Once you start, you will never want to go out again."
She recounted that she remembered being young and having decorated placards for runners.
"I never understood when nobody else knew what PMC was, because that was my life," Holland said.
Her mother, Jainey Holland, has been involved with the organization for almost 30 years and says her favorite subject is the community she creates.
"It's really like a family," said Jainey Holland. "And when your own family benefits, it makes you want to participate, but it's really amazing."
Starr started PMC after losing his own mother to cancer.
"That's what came out, I wanted to do something," Starr said. "I know my mother would be happy."
This year's race was particularly difficult, with heat and humidity playing an important role.
"It was still a wonderful year," said Starr. "Saturday was a challenge … but you rolled, smiled and worked together as champions."
"I knew you could handle that because we have such passionate voters," Starr said.
"I'm happy (from what we did) and I think we can do more," said Starr. "Just as we say, you just have to do it one mile at a time."
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