It is with great excitement and pleasure that I write this letter to you asking for your support in my second Pan-Mass Challenge bike ride to raise money for cancer research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The ride takes place the first week of August, and to date, this event has raised over $303 million dollars for cancer research and treatment.  This is my second year riding, and thanks to your generosity and the determination of over 5,000 cyclists we are aiming to raise over $40 million dollars this year.

This year I will be devoting my ride to my late Pop-Pop who died from cancer Spetmeber 11, 2008.  His incredible sense of humor, quick wit and remarkable stories are missed greatly by all of us who loved him.  With all three of my boys growing up so fast, I often wish that they could have spent just a little more time with him.  If you'd like to dedicate your donation to someone dear to you, please include his or her name in a note to me.  It will be my privilege to ride in recognition of them.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States and will directly affect one out of every two men and one out of every three women over their lifetimes.  Significant progress is being made -- for example the five-year survival rate for childhood cancers has increased to 80%.  PMC donations comprise a large share of the unrestricted research funds available to the Dana Farber to pursue promising, cutting edge research.

Contributions are generally collected in advance.  You can  make an on-line donation on  http://www.pmc.org/egifts/-- please use my eGift ID MM0494.

If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC, The Jimmy Fund or Dana Farber Cancer Institute and mail them to me at 17 Burnham Rd. Windham, NH. 03087

Please join us by making the PMC your avenue to making a difference in the fight against cancer. Yes, these economic times are difficult for us all but remember, cancer takes no rest, no vacation, needs no help, and is not slowed by the economy.

With Love and Appreciation,

Mark

PS: I'd like to ask one more favor. It would be so wonderful if you would solicit a donation from one other friend or family member.   Just think of how much more money we could raise in our effort to rid our lives of this horrible disease and better the lives of those suffering from it.  

Thanks Again,

Mark