Eight Winthrop residents cycle toward $52 million goal in the 2018 Pan-Mass Challenge
Locals will ride to fundraise for lifesaving cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
On Aug. 4 and 5, eight riders from Winthrop, 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 6,200 cyclists from more than 40 states and seven countries will gather in Massachusetts to participate in the PMC. Riders include everyone from seasoned triathletes to weekend warriors and range in age from 15 to 84. Many ride to honor a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for cancer, and more than 850 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients themselves, and considered Living Proof® of the PMC mission.
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 them 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.â€
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, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
Good luck to the following participants from Winthrop:
- Michelle Beadle
- Hayley Colleran
- Ellen D’Agostino
- Rachel Darman
- Jason Davis
- Daniel McGoff
- Shane Sherwood
- Gregory Vernick
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that has raised more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the world. The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, who remains the event’s executive director, an annual cyclist, and a fundraiser. The PMC has since raised $598 million for adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The event donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause. The PMC generates more than 55 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue and is Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor. The PMC has successfully melded support from committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors and individual contributors. All are essential to the PMC’s goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing its annual gift. The PMC’s hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber’s doctors and researchers with the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers. For more information on the Pan-Mass Challenge, log onto www.pmc.org.
From the Press Box
The 2008 Lady Vikings
By: Jim Lederman
The Tsongas Center in Lowell was a jinx for many Viking athletic teams. The 2008 Lady Vikings hoop team, coached by the late Peter Grimes suffered the first tough loss.
Ten years ago the Lady Vikings team pictured in this week’s “Where Are They Now†lost a heart breaker to the Pentucket Vikings.
The Vikings finished with a (19-5) record, capturing the Northeastern Conference title. The Vikings played the Pentucket team in the North final at Lowell. The starting five had five outstanding athletes who played in College.
Co-captains Kristen Finn and Nicole Giaquinto were three-sport standouts. Kristen was an all-scholastic softball player and she was captain at Bates College. Nicole was an All-American runner at UMass Lowell.
Courtney Finn was co-captain of the undefeated Bentley University Falcons team that won the division two-college championships. Courtney was named to the All-American team and is currently the assistant athletic director at Bentley.
Rena Mallios was captain of the Babson College team that played in the Division Three Tourney.
Johanna Fisher played Division One basketball at Central Connecticut State College.
We salute the 2008 Lady Vikings!
State of the Sox
The Boston Red Sox have played 68 games at the all-star break. The Sox have an incredible (68-30) record, with only 69-games to play.
They are on a pace to win over 100-games or more, to establish a new Sox record. The only huge issue remaining is the large number of injured players.
Every team goes through its injuries every season and the Red Sox have had their setbacks – see Dustin Pedroia, Carson Smith, Tyler Thornburg, Drew Pomerantz, Steven Wright, Rafael Devers and the latest an ankle injury to Eduardo Rodriquez.
Rodriquez has ligament damage to his right ankle. He had an (11-2) record and if he is out for an extended period the Sox might need another starting pitcher.
The Sox are optimistic E-Rod will pitch again this summer; there are no assurances he will return this season.
Mookie Betts is on a pace to win the American League MVP. Chris Sale has been fantastic (10-4) with 188 strikeouts.
The Sox have five players in the All-Star game this week. J.D. Martinez has 29 home runs and 80 RBI’s. Xander Boegartz has three grand slams.
Alex Cora has done an awesome job!
Let’s Go Sox
Let the Games Begin!
The 2018 Hall of Fame
The Winthrop High School Hall of Fame Committee will name the Class of 2018 next week.
The committee has received many nominations for individual male and female athletes.
The committee will name two championship teams and there are also nominations for ‘exceptional service.’
Next weeks Winthrop Transcript will announce the Hall of Fame inductees. The induction ceremony is Saturday night, October 20th at Winthrop High School.
Lake Winni
The flag flying on Revere Street as you leave town reads, “Life is Better at the Lake.â€
The Lake is the legendary Lake Winnipesauke in New Hampshire.
Last weekend we took a trip to visit Meredith Center Harbor and Moultonboro, towns that border ‘Lake Winni.†The exit to Meredith is Exit 23 in New Hampton. Take Route 104 to Meredith, a stop for lunch at ‘104 Diner’ is excellent.
The docks at Meredith are beautiful and exciting. Try the ‘Twin Docks’ for ice cream. Breakfast at George’s Diner in Meredith Village is recommended.
Our daughter Elizabeth was teaching class in Moultonboro; we stopped at ‘Canoe’ at 232 Whittier Highway in Center Harbor, another excellent restaurant.
We plan another trip to Lake Winni in September!
Enjoy the Summer!
Try Lake Winnipesauke!