2013 Athletic Fundraising Campaign

The Pan-Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon that today raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, who remains the event’s executive director, an annual cyclist, and a fundraiser. The PMC has since raised $375 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. In 2012, the PMC gave a record gift of $37 million. The PMC pioneered the athletic fundraising industry and is today a model of fundraising efficiency. The event donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause. In 2012, the PMC generated 52 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue and was Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor. More than 233,000 individual contributions were made to last year’s fundraising campaign. In 2013, PMC cyclists will ride with the goal of raising $38 million for Dana-Farber. Jothy is sort of emblematic of the importance of this event, as it was precisely the kind of research this event funds that developed the chemotherapy that saved his life 37 years ago. Actually, this is a banner year for Jothy as he is a 40-year survivor since his original diagnosis and amputation as a 16-year old. Jothy, along with 4,999 other riders, are very committed to this event. Sure, it is grueling and he has to train long and hard to get ready to take this on–especially for Jothy’s one leg and one lung. But it is absolutely worth it. The work done at Dana-Farber has saved countless lives—including Jothy’s—but there is still so much pain and suffering that we must try to end. Each rider must raise a minimum of $4,300; Jothy would like to hit $6,500 so please help if you can.

To donate on-line for Jothy click here or send check payable to “PMC-Jothy” to 133 Glezen Lane, Wayland, MA 01778.

1.5-mile Alcatraz Sharkfest swim

This year there are two Sharkfest swims. The original and the grand-daddy of all open water swims in the US is the Alcatraz Sharkfest swim from Alcatraz Island back to the mainland 1.5 miles across San Francisco Bay landing in Aquatic Park at the Maritime Museum under the Ghiradelli Sign and near Fisherman’s Wharf. The water will be 58-60 degrees in late July and the current will be strong from the massive snow melt this year. This will be my 19th time attempting to “escape” from Alcatraz. (Why “attempting”? Because this is so difficult and so different each year, I must not and do not take it for granted.)

This year, the organizers are adding some additional “Sharkfest” swims including the first one ever in Boston. The Boston Sharkfest is a 3/4 mile swim across Boston Harbor from Piers Park Sailing Center to the dock in front of the Courthouse in South Boston. Each breath we take will give us a straight on view of downtown. Pretty spectacular. The water will also be in the mid-70s so no need for wetsuits.

My swims are fundraisers for the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program where my wife Carole is director of the HIV team. BHCHP is the face of health care for Boston’s homeless individuals and families. Last year they delivered services to more than 11,000 homeless men, women, and children. Over the last 25 years, BHCHP has evolved into the largest and most comprehensive health care for the homeless program in the country. Their success as a national model results from: the commitment of talented professionals and clinicians; a strong record of responsible financial stewardship; and a network of public and private community partnerships. Carole is Director of HIV services at BHCHP and the money raised will go to support her team’s work as well as the rest of the program.

To donate to BHCHP for either swim on-line via PayPal (note: PayPal extracts a small fee) please click this button:

To donate by check payable to “BHCHP” please send it to 133 Glezen Lane, Wayland, MA 01778.