Pan-Mass Challenge: Rent a Zipcar to Donate, and a Somerville Man Rides

The 32nd Pan-Mass Challenge, a large fundraising event in which people bicycle cross the state to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Jimmy Fund, is taking place Aug. 6 and 7. Below is some Pan-Mass Challenge news from Somerville.

The following was provided to Somerville Patch by a representative of Pan-Mass Challenge.

Father and son, Peter Bradley of Norfolk and Benjamin Bradley of Somerville, are gearing up to take on their first Pan-Massachusetts Challenge bike-a-thon August 6 and 7 when they will ride and raise money for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.

The Bradleys will cycle 163 miles in the Wellesley to Provincetown route, (one of 11 routes offered of varying mileage to cater to all levels of cycling strength) and meet the matriarch of the family at the finish line, Nancy Bradley.

Nancy, 61, is the inspiration behind their ride. She has been battling breast cancer for four years and is currently receiving treatment at Dana-Faber Cancer Institute.

“The amazing care that we have experienced at Dana-Farber is what made us sign up for the PMC,” says Peter, 63. “Since we walked into the hospital we have been greeted with nothing but compassion and professionalism. This is the best way I can think of to support my wife through her treatment and give back to the hospital that is working to keep her healthy."

More than 5000 cyclists will join the Bradleys on the road with a unified goal of raising $34 million for DFCI. The Bradleys personal goal is to attain Heavy Hitter status, with the hope of individually raising $10,000.

“I am so excited to take on this challenge,” says Benjamin, 30. “Being born and raised near Boston, the Jimmy Fund is thecharity to give back to. Now that I have a personal relationship with the organization it makes this ride that much more meaningful and important.”

Below is information about a Pan-Mass Challenge initiative run by Zipcar, the car-sharing company. This information was provided by Zipcar:

Zipcar, Inc., the world’s leading car-sharing network, is taking on the 32nd annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) with a team of 25 riders and a goal of raising $150,000 to support cancer research and treatment. This year marks Zipcar’s fifth consecutive year of participation in the PMC.

Since 2007, Team Zipcar has raised more than $535,000 to benefit adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC annually contributes 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the Jimmy Fund.

As part of the company’s fundraising efforts, Zipcar Boston has wrapped six Kia Soul Zipcars in the colors and logo of the PMC, and is donating $2.00 to the PMC for every hour the wrapped Zipcars are reserved by members and out on the road.

Team Zipcar is made up of 25 riders, including members from its leadership team: Scott Griffith, Chairman and CEO; Mark Norman, President and COO; Ed Goldfinger, CFO; Rob Weisberg, CMO; Sean Quimby, VP, Human Resources and Doug Williams, VP, Engineering.

“At Zipcar, community involvement is part of our DNA and integral to our culture.  One of our five core values is ‘Have an Impact’ and we take that seriously,” said Scott Griffith, Chairman and CEO of Zipcar.  “Cancer research and care is a very important local cause for us, and our participation in the PMC is something that our entire team looks forward to each year.”

The PMC is the nation’s most successful athletic fundraising event. On Aug. 6 and 7, 2011, 5,000 cyclists from 34 states and six countries will ride across the Commonwealth in the 32^nd annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. Since 1980, the PMC has raised more than $303 million to benefit adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“Zipcar is representative of the companies and corporations who have aligned with the PMC,” said PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr. “They love the culture and they embrace the mission. They make us stronger and better.”

PMC-wrapped Zipcars can be found at Zipcar locations in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville. To donate to Team Zipcar or for more information, visit http://www.zipcar.com/pmc.