Arlington Police Officer To Ride Final Pan-Mass Challenge After 14 Years

The officer rides in honor of several family members, friends and colleagues who have been affected by cancer.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Jul 28, 2026 12:25 PM EDT

ARLINGTON, MA — An Arlington police officer will take part in the Pan-Mass Challenge for the final time this weekend, bringing to a close a fundraising effort that has supported cancer research for more than a decade.

Officer Michael Hogan will participate in the annual bike-a-thon on Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2 for the 14th and final time as a member of the Arlington Angels team. After what the Arlington Police Department described as much contemplation, Hogan decided this year's ride would be his last.

Hogan rides in honor of several family members, friends and colleagues who have been affected by cancer. He rides for his wife, Nancy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago and received treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and his sister-in-law, Colleen Lombard, who also underwent treatment there.

He also rides in memory of Catherine Malatesta, a longtime Arlington resident whose legacy continues through the #cattitude scholarship fund, Patrick Doherty and Arlington Police Lt. Dan Kelly, Hogan's friend and colleague who died following his battle with cancer.

The Arlington Angels also announced six-year-old Tyler Bolger as the team's 2026 PMC Pedal Partner.

Tyler lives with his parents, Matt and Jenn, and sisters Reagan and Reese. According to Arlington Police, he enjoys American Ninja Warrior, sports, riding his bike, swinging, monkey bars, and spending time with his sisters. When he grows up, he hopes to become either a football player or a police officer.

Tyler is receiving treatment through the Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund and Boston Children's Hospital. His parents said he has remained strong and resilient throughout his treatment, continuing to push through the difficult days while embracing the good ones with the energy of a typical six-year-old.

The Pan-Mass Challenge was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr and has grown into the nation's largest single athletic fundraising event for charity. The annual event brings thousands of cyclists to Massachusetts each August to ride routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles while raising money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since its founding, the Pan-Mass Challenge has raised more than $1 billion for cancer research and patient care, with 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar going directly to Dana-Farber.

Hogan has been a longtime supporter of the fundraiser. During his previous rides, Arlington Police have highlighted his dedication to honoring those impacted by cancer while helping raise money for research and treatment. In 2023, Hogan said he rode because he wanted to support the people closest to him who had battled the disease, particularly after seeing firsthand the care his wife received at Dana-Farber.

Hogan will also be among dozens of Arlington residents participating in this year's event. 76 Arlington cyclists and 24 volunteers are expected to take part in the 2026 Pan-Mass Challenge.

According to the Arlington Police Department, every tax-deductible donation made in support of Hogan's ride will go directly to the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support lifesaving clinical care and cancer research.