On Sunday, March 1, The Boston Celtics paid tribute to the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) for its incredible fundraising efforts on behalf of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. PMC Night at the Celtics was attended by more than 150 PMC'ers. PMC Kids Rides riders and volunteers served as Boston Celtics anthem buddies, standing with players as the national anthem was performed and greeting players as they returned to the court at TD Garden for the second half of the game as part of the Halftime High Five Kids Tunnel.
During the special in-game presentation, Denise Singleton, an eleven-year PMC volunteer, seven-year PMC Kids Rides coordinator and first-year PMC rider, was presented with the Heroes Among Us Award, which identifies individuals who have made a positive impact on the lives of others within the community. Denise has made a significant impact with the PMC Kids Rides, raising over $380,000 through the Westwood, MA ride that she coordinates year after year.
I sat down with Denise to talk to her about her many roles in the PMC and what her involvement means to her and her family.
Meredith Beaton Starr (MBS): How did you first get involved in PMC?
MBS: What is the most meaningful part of your PMC experience?
DS: The most meaningful part of doing this is being able to help the families who are coping with cancer. Sadly we have had 8 kids in town that have battled cancer since I started the ride and many more who have lost parents (4 last year). We have supported the kids in treatment by making them Pedal Partners and I have reached out to the children of parents who are in treatment. I get them involved in the hope that it will empower them and make them proud to be able to take an active role in fighting this disease that has devastated their family. I am also proud to have introduced hundreds of people to the PMC and their mission. Before the Kids Ride came to Westwood, most families hadn't heard of the PMC. Knowing more about this organization will make them more likely to donate to a rider and possibly become a rider themselves. The PMC is big part of my family and will continue to be until we can all celebrate an end to this disease as we know it.
MBS: After so many years of volunteering, what made you decide to ride this year?
MBS: How did it feel to be recognized as a Hero Among Us by the Celtics?
DS: It was amazing. I was so proud to be recognized by the PMC and the Celtics organization as the Heroes Among Us. I was very nervous going out on the infamous "parquet floor" but loved it and hope that my story will inspire others to get involved in a charitable cause in their community.
We can't think of a better PMC ambassador than Denise Singleton and we congratulate her on this well-deserved award!