2 Guilford, 1 East Havener to Pedal 200 Miles for Cancer Study

On Aug. 4 and 5, two riders from Guilford and one from East Haven will cycle up to 192 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) with the goal of topping last year’s record-breaking gift and raising $52 million for critical cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

During PMC weekend, over 6,300 cyclists from 43 states and 10 countries will gather in Massachusetts to participate in the PMC. Riders include everyone from seasoned triathletes to weekend warriors and range in age from 13 to 85. Many ride to honor a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for cancer, and 914 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients themselves, and considered Living Proof® of the PMC mission.

One of the Guilford riders is Nicole Barucci, who says this is why she is riding.

“Another year, another PMC. This year marks my 14th consecutive year riding FOURTEENTH! I can't believe it! This year I am again riding with Team Stirling Strong, in honor of my friend and PMC bunk mate Stirling Winder who sadly lost her fight with cancer nearly 6 years ago, just several days before the PMC. She was 26. I am proud to be a part of her team, riding for a life taken far too soon. This year I am riding in honor of my friend Helen Langello, who is one of the fiercest women I know. She is battling this disease with such heart. Her attitude is beyond inspiring. This year, I am proud to be #HelenStrong!”

Her profile is here: http://profile.pmc.org/NB0049

Another Guilford rider is Bob Connerly, who says this: “Holy Cow, 15 years! That’s right. For fifteen years I have been sending letters meant to excite, inspire and move you to support me on my 192 mile Pan Mass Challenge bike ride to fight cancer and bring better treatment options to those that are told those awful words: “you have cancer.”

“This year, just like every other year, I have way too many reasons to ride. I hope that at least one of these reasons or another that you may have, moves you to join my Pan Mass Challenge team.

• In September of last year, we lost my younger brother, Chris, to liver cancer.
• A dear friend lost his wife, Joan, to pancreatic cancer in January
• Our friend, Jill, has been on a long, rollercoaster battle with cancer and has taken a turn for the worse.”

His profile is here: http://profile.pmc.org/BC0097

The East Haven rider is Jarrod Longcor, who says:

“I started riding because I have suffered through the loss of several family members to cancer. Most recently, my dad died of an aggressive form of bladder cancer that took him shortly before is 60th birthday. Since then, I have begun to ride for so many more colleagues and friends who are battling cancer and in many cases winning because of the research funding this and other rides provide.”

His profile is here: http://profile.pmc.org/JL0256

Designed to cater to all levels of cycling and fundraising ability, the PMC offers 12 different routes, varying in mileage and difficulty, that pass through 46 towns across the Commonwealth, with starting lines in Sturbridge, Wellesley and Bourne.

Cyclists are required to raise between $600 and $8,000, depending on the chosen route, though the average cyclist raises more than $7,000, which exemplifies the spirit of the PMC and its riders. Volunteers, spectators, donors and sponsors are also part of the camaraderie on ride weekend, all working together in hopes of one day eradicating cancer.

“After surpassing our goal and raising $51 million for Dana-Farber last year, we are excited to keep the momentum going as we approach our 39th PMC ride weekend,” said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC. “We are continuously humbled by the dedication and generosity of our riders, volunteers, donors, sponsors and community members – it’s thanks to thems that the PMC is able to make such an immense impact on the fight against cancer. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable ride weekend and can’t wait to see you all out on the road.”

The PMC donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber through the its fundraising arm, the Jimmy Fund, and is the institute’s largest single contributor, raising more than 53 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue. In 2017, the PMC gave a record gift of $51 million to Dana-Farber, bringing it’s 38-year contribution to a total of more than $598 million since its inception in 1980.

The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation® and New Balance®. To make a financial contribution to a rider from your town or become a virtual rider, visit www.pmc.org, or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with #PanMass2018 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagramand LinkedIn.

For more information on the Pan-Mass Challenge, log onto www.pmc.org.

Photos of Bob and Nicole