And now we interrupt this program... FOR A SERIOUS MOMENT

The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge 2010

Seriously???  


YES.


I'll be the first to say that the times when I am serious about something (other than business...) on this blog AND in my "REAL LIFE" are definitely few and far between.  However, this is one of those times to please take a moment to read this and help if you can...


One of my friends from home, Chris, is going to be riding 163 miles in the Pan Mass Challenge to benefit cancer research.  

Image by doughaslam via Flickr

Let me say that again: ONE HUNDRED SIXTY THREE MILES.  


In my opinion, THAT definitely qualifies as SERIOUS.  Through my job and general interest in charity and "giving back", I am frequently approached for help and, if I can, I give my time or money (usually people ask for one of the two) but ONE HUNDRED SIXTY THREE MILES???  I'm still trying to wrap my head around that.  Christopher, on the other hand, is DOING it.  It is hard to comprehend the dedication and preparation on the part of someone participating in this event.  


Truth be told, when I first read his email, I thought there was a typo...  "163 miles???  No way...".  So I clicked on the link he sent and, sure enough, he is doing all of this for a cause he is "seriously" dedicated to.  He is doing all of the work.  He is just asking for people to give him a little support.  While I am moved by all of the charities I am involved with, Chris's request stands out in my mind, probably because he is not asking for money for a charity, he is asking for support so that HE can ride 163 miles to earn money for cancer research.  Now, I am asking you all to support him as well.  I'm including links to his Facebook group, his rider profile on the PMC site and some info below about the PMC, along with a message from Chris.  


People, SERIOUSLY, this is an easy one...  Support him in any way you can and help him be a shining example of what one person can do to help fight cancer.

Christopher's Facebook group: click here

Christopher's profile page: click here

Also, check out the site for the PMC 2010 HERE

Just in case, here is the basic info promised below.  Now there is no excuse.  Do something.  


Please...


Thank you =)




Christopher's message: 
 "I am riding 163 Miles in the Pan Mass Challenge for cancer research. 100% of donations go to support the Jimmy Fund and to date, the PMC has raised $270 million that has been used to improve the lives of those suffering with cancer. It is the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, bringing in nearly 50 percent of its annual revenue. Please support me in this challenge and donate to a great cause!
http://www.pmc.org/profile/CS0240
Thank you in advance for your support. It means a lot to me. 
Chris"


Basic information on the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge:
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, presented by the Boston Red Sox Foundation and Overstock.com, is the nation’s original fundraising bike-a-thon and today raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country. The PMC is a model of fundraising efficiency. Since 2007, the PMC has donated 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC is so well-known in cycling and fundraising circles that each year people travel from around the world to participate. The camaraderie shared by riders, volunteers, and supporters is among the PMC's greatest attributes. Doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute join their patients as teammates, riding for a unified goal. Over 200 PMC riders are cancer survivors. Thousands of riders and volunteers have lost loved ones to the disease. Still more ride in honor of those in treatment. 

The PMC has contributed $270 million to lifesaving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since its 1980 inception. For more facts and figures, click the link to our PMC Fact Sheet.