Elmhurst Resident Cycles In Pan-Mass Challenge

ELMHURST, IL — An Elmhurst resident will participate in the Pan-Mass Challenge and will cycle up to 192 miles with thousands of other cyclists. According to a release, George Churchill of Elmhurst will compete in the challenge on Aug. 4 and 5, which has the goal of raising $52 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research 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. According to a release, 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.

The PMC offers 12 different routes, varying in mileage and difficulty, that pass through 46 towns, with starting lines in Sturbridge, Wellesley and Bourne. According to the release, cyclists are required to raise between $600 and $8,000, depending on the chosen route, though the average cyclist raises more than $7,000. 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,” Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC, said in a release. “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.”

The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation® and New Balance®. Other cyclists from Illinois are: Josh Berman of Chicago, Rachel Dolgov of Chicago, Gabrielle Gelinas of Chicago, Corey Hazekamp of Chicago, J Kent McHose of Chicago, JP Saidnawey of Chicago, Matt Stevenson of Chicago, Brian Tharp of Columbia, Thomas Strong of Glenview, David Frederick of Lakewood, William Markey of ;Long Grove, Ellen Rogin of Northfield, Steven Rogin of Northfield, Randa Bishlawi of Oak Brook, Kevin Andrews of Saint Charles, Jack Chandler of Winnetka, Katherine Chandler of Winnetka, and Margaret Chandler of Winnetka.

Photo provided by Pan-Mass Challenge.