PAN MASS CHALLENGE 2026

This year’s Pan Mass Challenge will be notably different. For one, the current federal government administration cut funding for cancer research to the tune of 100 million dollars, a tremendous setback for those who have given every working day of their lives to finding a cure. This means that your continued financial support of my ride and the PMC is more timely than ever.

For those of you who are new to receiving this message, Team More Cowbell is the twenty or so guys and gals that I have been riding the PMC with for more than a decade.  We convene from various parts of the country each year to give our best team effort to this cause.  Our Team More Cowbell also sponsors and supports the Pedal Partner community within the PMC, a collection of youngsters who are stricken with cancer and require special attention. These children are treated at Dana Farber, under 24/7 doctor’s care and fight for their best possible quality of existence on a daily basis. The average age, if I had to guess, is under 10 years old.

Olivia was 6 years old. She practically lived at Dana Farber. Her family dedicated their lives to making her happy and comfortable. This past December, she lost her battle to a rare form of cancer. Olivia’s aunt rides with us, we all have pictures with Olivia, and this year’s riders will once again have a reason to shed tears for a close loved one lost.

The PMC is the largest privately run athletic charity event in the world.  Each year, we brag about the millions of dollars we raised and the sum total raised over the past 42 years, and still, we lose loved ones. However, the Pan Mass family is a hearty bunch. Thousands of volunteers, and over 6500 riders. Resilient is another word that come to mind, because we envision a world where young and old can live better lives with a cancer diagnosis in the rear-view mirror.

August 1 is this year’s date. I have made the time to train, in between a new found hobby, sailing on the Hudson. With that being said, the fundraising effort for this year’s event is paramount. We are hoping to make a dent in the 100-million-dollar deficit that now exists. Researchers need to research, doctors need to perform miracles, and the fight against cancer must continue. To be clear there is progress, but what comes with progress are new found strains of cancer that need attention.

Those who have taken the time over the years to read this each summer know my story, it seems like ancient history but it’s not. We all know someone fighting for survival, and we know those who have unfairly lost, like Olivia. So please support my 2026 PMC ride. Every contribution helps to make a difference in the lives of those who need it.

To donate: https://www.pmc.org

My Rider Number: SG0021