Lambertville Biker Gearing Up For Fundraising Ride Across Massachusetts

LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. — This summer, Lambertville resident James Lewy will be hopping on his bike and riding across Massachusetts during the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) bike-a-thon on August 1 and 2.

Lewy will be among the more than 6,000 cyclists and 4,000 volunteers participating in the event to raise money for cancer research and care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraiser in the world, is aiming to raise more than ever this year, with a fundraising goal of $79 million.

"I sometimes question whether it is worth it to put my body and anxiety to such a stressful test," said Lewy. "Then I think about the struggle our loved ones endure daily in their own personal fight with cancer, and I am immediately given renewed strength and conviction."

Close to two years ago, Lewy lost his friend, Dave Swan, to cancer. "It seems like yesterday. I am sure that those who knew him were heartbroken, as was I," said Lewy. "He was larger than life and my best friend. He fought his battle with dignity and courage and was a shining example of why we need to eradicate this deadly and destructive disease."

Swan was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor known as Glioblastoma. He lived 10 years with the disease thanks to the innovations in cancer research.

"There are currently trials going on and they are making significant progress towards finding a cure in our lifetime," said Lewy. "These trials can only happen because of the generosity of people like yourselves who have given to the cause so that our loved ones may continue to live to see the many blessings that life has to offer. In order to see these trials through to a successful end, we need to continue to fund this breakthough research."

Lewy has personally committed $10,000 to the cause and any amount donated by the community - no matter how large or small - will help, he said.

For the 20th consecutive year, 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar will go directly to Dana-Farber, one of the nation's top three hospitals for cancer research and care. This year's PMC comes at an especially critical time, with federal research support shrinking, grant approval rates reaching historic lows, and cancer cases continuing to rise.

"The theme for this year's PMC, which is 'now, more than ever,' underscores the paramount importance of every single dollar raised in fueling the search for a cure," said Billy Starr, founder and chairman of the PMC. "We are endlessly grateful to every rider, volunteer, donor, and sponsor who makes the PMC possible. Because of their training miles, long hours of volunteering, generous support, and unwavering commitment, we are moving ever closer to a world without cancer."

Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber, making it the organization's largest single contributor and accounting for 67 percent of the annual revenue of The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber's community-driven fundraising arm. This unrestricted annual funding has empowered and accelerated advancements in cancer research, deeply benefiting patients across the world.

During each annual PMC weekend, thousands of cyclists and volunteers come together from across the world, hailing from 47 U.S. states and 12 countries, with a shared purpose of raising as much money as possible for Dana-Farber.

Cyclists ride routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles. Included among these participants is the PMC Living Proof community, riders and volunteers who were previously treated or are currently undergoing cancer treatment and serve as Living Proof of the progress made through raising funds for cancer research and treatment.

To Donate: profile.pmc.org/JL0375