—Sam Millette

This past weekend I participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) along with my dad, a few family friends, and some 5,500 other riders. Now in its 35th year, the PMC is a two-day, 192-mile bike race that is the largest athletic fundraiser in the country. This year, the goal for the race is to generate at least $40 million of donations for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

This is the fifth year that I have ridden the PMC—and it is always one of my favorite weekends of the year! The streets always seem to be lined with supporters and volunteers who stand in front of their houses for hours cheering on the passing riders, and the overall amount of positive energy and encouragement is truly unique. This year, I rode for my grandmother, Dolores, and two of my fraternity brothers, Matt and Andrew, who have all battled cancer in their lives.

The picture here is of me and my friend Heather, who completed her first PMC this year. Thank you to Commonwealth and all who have supported me on my quest to ride for the cure!