As a Cape Cod resident, Chris Ross, 42, has always been familiar with the Pan-Mass Challenge. In 2009, Ross, of Eastham, Mass., signed up for his first ride in the annual bike-a-thon, in memory of Daniel Clow, his father-in-law who had recently succumbed to liver cancer.
“The first year that I rode in the PMC, I was blown away by the experience,” says Ross. “From seeing all of the riders congregate in Sturbridge, to the hundreds of volunteers lending a helping hand at the Mass Maritime Academy, I couldn’t believe that all of these people were there to support the cause.”
Ross is the founder and captain of Team Beachcomber, a group of 30 PMC riders from the Cape Cod area of varying ages and cycling abilities. The team recently hosted the 6th annual “Clam Jam” at the Beachcomber, a local restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the dunes of Wellfleet, home to the last leg of the PMC’s 190-mile route. During the event, 400 guests, including the team’s PMC Pedal Partner, enjoyed live music and complementary food and participated in a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. The event generated $16,000 which will go directly to support Team Beachcomber’s PMC fundraising campaign. This year, the team’s goal is to raise $125,000.
“It seems like every year since my first ride more and more adults and children in my community are diagnosed with cancer,” says Ross. “They are my motivation to continue my PMC journey.”
On Aug. 2 and 3, members of Team Beachcomber will be among more than 5,700 cyclists who will ride in the 35th annual event to raise $40 million to support adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. This will be Ross’s seventh consecutive PMC experience.
“Heading to Provincetown in the last leg of the ride is physically draining, but you have to keep on going,” says Ross. “I will never forget reaching Provincetown during my first year when my wife and two-year-old son were there waiting for me, cheering me on as I crossed the finish line. I will continue to ride and raise money so that more family members have the experience to meet their loved ones affected by cancer at the finish.”
To register to ride or volunteer for the 35th Pan-Mass Challenge, which is set for Aug. 2 and 3, or to support Chris Ross or another cyclist, visit www.pmc.org.
Post courtesy of Allison from Teak Media + Communication
