Pan-Mass Challenge holds ‘reimagined’ virtual event amid coronavirus pandemic

The annual Pan-Mass Challenge bike-a-thon that raises money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute — a landmark summer athletic charity event — had a “reimagined” event this weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic as thousands around the world participated virtually.

The Pan-Mass Challenge hosted its first-ever virtual event, PMC 2020 Reimagined, as more than 10,000 participants helped raise tens of millions of dollars for cancer research and treatment.

In normal times, PMC bicyclists would travel in packs across Massachusetts, covering 12 routes spanning 25 to 192 miles over the first weekend of August.

But this year due to virus concerns, people in 43 states and 12 countries took part on their own unique courses or on stationary bikes at home; many participants still traveled across Cape Cod and other parts of the Bay State.

“There are a lot of people on bikes out here on the Cape, raising a lot of money and staying on mission,” said Billy Starr, PMC founder and executive director.

“This is a very large and committed group, and they understand that a lot is riding on us, no matter where we ride,” he added, noting the PMC accounts for 57% of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.

By Sunday afternoon, this year’s PMC had surpassed $30 million in fundraising and was on the way to its $41 million goal for the fundraiser’s 41st year, Starr said.

Last year, the event raised $63 million.

“Off 35% from last year, most organizations would kill for that number,” Starr said. “It’s a tougher world out there for fundraising, but cancer research remains a priority for so many.”

The need for cancer research and treatment funding is more critical than ever, officials said, due to a predicted decrease in cancer diagnoses during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The PMC community’s steadfast commitment to our institution is humbling and inspiring,” Laurie Glimcher, president and CEO of Dana-Farber, said in a statement. “More than ever, PMC dollars are critical to support the world-class cancer care and additional resources we provide our patients and their families. We are so very grateful for the continued support from the PMC and the creative ways its riders are reimagining their experience this year to raise money for Dana-Farber.”

To learn more about the PMC or make a donation, visit www.pmc.org.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3goeFBa