As many of you may or may not know, I have been involved with a group of cyclists called Team Brent Wheels for the past few years. In 2008 my neighbor Roger asked me for some help designing a flag. In the first weekend of August, that flag was to fly at the Pan Mass Challenge, the largest athletic fundraiser in the country, consisting of a two day ride (it's not a race!), 200 miles, over 5,000 riders, and countless volunteers. Team Brent has raised 1.5 million dollars over the past five years to help fight neuroblastoma. At the PMC, 100% of the donated funds go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. After agreeing to help on the flag(little did I know it was the first of many), I was propositioned to spend the weekend working closely with Roger coordinating the 40+ riders of Team Brent, keeping track of their bikes, their schedules, and making sure everyone got to the start, finish, and home in one piece.

In 2009, Roger came back to me with more ideas, more responsibility, more riders, and less sleep. Roger and I took over his kitchen, dining room, and spent nights in his basement making more flags, and making sure that I knew exactly where I needed to be to help this challenge end successfully. For two years I listened to riders tell me I should ride. After the race the men joked about the need for speed, women told me their tear jerking stories about the kids at the rest stops, and the looks on their faces when they knew you were racing for them. I always had an excuse. I can't ride, Roger needs me. I can't ride, I just started my job, and I can't possibly raise $4,200. I didn't know where to begin. Finally, after two years of helping on the sidelines, I decided that I have been helping this cause, this team, this event, but I could (and needed) do more. I pulled the trigger, and have decided to ride. This August 7^th and 8^th, Roger might not have someone that can tie a knot like I can, but he (I hope) will survive without me.

I am writing you in hopes that you can help me with the daunting feat of raising over $4,000 by October 31^st. In years past I have sent you e-mails regarding shaving my head for St. Baldrick's, a parallel fundraiser for Team Brent. I am writing in hope that you can think about the hundreds of children that are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year, nearly 50% of whom are under the age of 2, and the people that are trying to raise enough money to help an incredible cause.

“Many of us have had our lives impacted by friends and family diagnosed with cancer. It's just not right. We have to fight it. Brent is living proof that we can make a difference - and for that, we thank you.”

-Team Brent

If you've made it this far, then you shouldn't have a problem reading a bit more. I've included a pair of links at the bottom of this letter about the origin of Team Brent and Team Brent's role in the Pan Mass Challenge. If you are thinking of making a donation, please click below. I understand that that current economic situation may make funds tight, but please know that any donation will make an impact. Please don't forget to check if your company offers any form of donation matching.

Brian's PMC Total

$4,200

Goal

$4,200

My Progress

My Online Supporters

My Rides