11-Year-Old Stoughton Boy Helping Raise Money for Cancer Through PMC Kids Bike Rides

Taking after his father, Michael, who participates in the annual Pan Mass Challenge bike ride for adults, Austin Mauriello, an 11-year-old from Stoughton, recently rode in his third Pan Mass Challenge Kids event, helping to raise money to fight cancer. 

Austin took part in the 10-mile "Westwood Warrior" PMC kids bike ride in Westwood on June 9. 

He raised $465 for the Jimmy Fund, making him a PMC "Heavy Hitter," his dad said, with the donation going towards cancer awareness and cancer research/treatment.

"[It] feels good to help others," Austin said. "All of the people who donated to my rides are heroes for helping other people." 

When Austin was younger, his grandmother, Cheryl, died from Cancer at the age of 59. Shortly thereafter, Michael rode in his first PMC in her memory, with Austin doing the same, taking part in his first PMC kids event. 

Austin "was inspired by the idea of doing something positive to help those who are suffering from cancer and to remember those who lost their battles," Michael said. 

This year Austin once again rode in memory of his grandmother, and also in honor of two women both currently battling cancer - his aunt, Karen McMillen, and Reverend Jean Lenk, of Stoughton's First Congregational Church.

Over the years, Michael said the Mauriello family has raised more than $10,000 for the Jimmy Fund by taking part in Pan Mass Challenge events.