Medford Rider Honored At Fenway While Raising Money For Cancer Research

MEDFORD, MA — After losing family members to cancer and receiving a lymphoma diagnosis of his own, Medford resident John Slonimsky continues to pedal forward with a mission.

Slonimsky was among 60 members of the Pan-Mass Challenge's Living Proof community honored during Pan-Mass Challenge Night at Fenway Park, where riders and volunteers who are currently undergoing or have undergone cancer treatment cycled around the warning track to cheers from Red Sox fans.

For Slonimsky, the recognition carried special meaning.

In 2022, he was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma. While the disease remains manageable without treatment, he said it requires ongoing monitoring.

"Cancer. All of us have been touched by this disease, whether it be personally or while watching a family member, friend or even public personalities suffer from the disease," Slonimsky said.

His connection to the cause stretches back decades. Before riding in his first Pan-Mass Challenge in 2007, Slonimsky lost his uncle, Maurice Super, to cancer. More recently, his sister, Jennifer Hanson, died from the disease last year.

Family members and close friends have also battled breast cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, throat cancer and leukemia, according to Slonimsky.

"It is for those that have succumbed to cancer and those that have battled and survived, and those for whom at present hope is minimal, that I ride," he said.

The annual Pan-Mass Challenge is the nation's most successful athletic fundraiser, raising money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year's event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2, and is expected to bring together more than 6,000 riders and 4,000 volunteers.

The PMC donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber, serving as the institute's largest single contributor and accounting for 67 percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue. In 2025, the organization raised a record $78 million and is aiming to raise $79 million in 2026.

As a member of Team Flames, Slonimsky's fundraising efforts directly support Dana-Farber's Lymphoma and Leukemia Department.

"Uniquely, 100% of all rider-raised dollars goes toward funding cancer research," Slonimsky said. "Even more importantly, every dollar I raise as part of Team Flames is directed specifically to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Department at Dana-Farber."

This year, Slonimsky has set a personal fundraising goal of $6,000.

"It is my hope that with your support I can reach my personal goal of raising $6,000, which in turn will help fund the research that will find the cures needed to quash the ills of cancer," he said.

As he prepares for another ride this summer, Slonimsky said he remains motivated by the loved ones he has lost, those who have survived, and those still fighting.

"I thank you for your kind support," Slonimsky said to potential donors to his cause.

See Also:

Medical Spa Launches In Medford's Haines Square

Medford Fire Department Awarded $105K Grant From Cummings Foundation

Medford Student Receives Girls On The Run Alumni Scholarship

Medford City Council Approves New Protections For Contracted Workers

Medford Police Promotes 2 Veteran Officers