Community Corner

Danvers Cyclists Raise $62,603 for Cancer Research

$35 million was donated this year by the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.

Fourteen Danvers residents were among the 5,169 cyclists to participate in this year's Pan Mass Challenge, the nation's most successful athletic fundraising event.

On Aug. 7, the Pan Mass Challenge cyclists rode up to 190 miles across the Commonwealth, raising $35 million for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.

Danvers riders Stacey Abbatessa, Ralph Ardiff, Ashley Bobrek, John Bobrek, Joe Durand, Eric Emerson, Donald Gates, Joe Higgins, Becky Jensen, Brendan McCarthy, Leonard Ortins, Kelley Thibodeau, Sharon Thomas, and Lawrence Tormey raised $62,603 of the $35 million donated.

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The 2011 PMC announced they exceeded their own fundraising goal of $34 million by $1 million. “PMC riders are committed to the cause and to this event,” said Billy Starr, PMC founder and executive director in a release. “Their dedication to raising money for cancer research is unparalleled in the fundraising industry.”

The Pan Mass Challenge was founded in 1980 when 36 cyclists rode across Massachusetts and raised $10,200 for the Jimmy Fund. Since its inception, the challenge has brought in $338 million.

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