The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute celebrated 30 years of PMC history last night with the rededication of the PMC Bridge To Progress, which connects the Smith and Dana buildings at DFCI. The skywalk bridge is a PMC museum of sorts, with displays of photographs, t-shirts, rider jerseys, and other memorabilia from the past 30 years. The bridge was first created in 1997 and until this year, reflected PMC weekends for the first 18 years. Now the bridge is up to date with memories of all 30 years of the PMC. It's a much more accurate depiction of what makes the PMC a magical event. The PMC Bridge to Progress is a tribute to the PMC and all of the riders, volunteers, financial supporters and corporate sponsors who have made the PMC the most successful athletic fundraising event in the nation. The names of PMC Heavy Hitters and those who have reached "lifetime achievement" status, by raising $100,000 or more, are listed on glass placards on the bridge. Their names, and the total sum the PMC has raised, will be updated annually.
The ribbon is cut at the unveiling of the newly renovated PMC Bridge to Progress. PMC founder Billy Starr, left, with Dr. Edward Benz, DFCI president
Here goes!
In addition to the incredible sum of money the PMC has raised for cancer research and treatment over three decades, Dana-Farber President Edward J. Benz, Jr., said the PMC's brilliance comes from the community it has created. "You can't experience any part of the PMC and not be inspired by it," Dr. Benz told guests at the bridge rededication celebration. "The most important aspect of the PMC, along with the money it raises, is the spiritual atmosphere it creates for all who are involved."
