OAT associate Brian Gannon will go to great lengths—192 miles by bike, to be exact—to support those living with cancer.
Two years ago, OAT associate Brian Gannon rode in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) with his friend Paul—who had a very personal motivation for taking part in the event. "Paul rode in honor of his late mother," says Brian, "who lost her battle with cancer when Paul was very young."
With this year's PMC fast approaching on August 1-2, 2009, Brian's own motivation for riding is much more personal as well. Today, his friend Paul is a proud new father—and a patient at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, fighting his own courageous battle with the devastating disease. "I'm riding for Paul this year," says Brian, "and also for the countless others like him who are battling cancer."
More than 5,000 cyclists will join Brian for the 30th annual PMC, which has raised more than $239 million for the Dana Farber Institute's Jimmy Fund since its inception in 1980—making it Dana Farber's largest single contributor. This year's goal is an impressive $30 million. Brian has personally raised nearly $17,000 since he first rode in the PMC in 2005—and by the time this year's two-day, 192-mile ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown, Massachusetts, is complete, that total will exceed $20,000. While Brian is an experienced cyclist, the PMC offers seven different routes to accommodate riders from all skill levels. This means that anyone with a passion for the cause can participate in the challenge—and it's a cause that affects the lives of far too many.
OAT is proud to support Brian's commitment toward the advancement of cancer research—as well as the equally strong commitment of three other associates, Tom Whearty, Chris Zigmont, and Charlotte Lewis, who will also tackle the PMC. Each rider is required to reach a minimum fundraising goal of $1,000-$4,200 (depending on route) to participate, and for OAT's riders, the majority of that goal will come from their fellow associates. When the donations are tallied, Grand Circle Foundation will match the final amount.
We wish Brian and his fellow riders the best of luck as they embark on this important journey, which gives new hope to those living with cancer with every passing mile.
Learn more about the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge at their official website.