Summer 2012
On August 4, I will get on my bike in Sturbridge, MA along with 5500 other riders  from all over the world and begin a 2 day 200 mile bike ride to raise money for cancer research as part of the Pan-Mass Challenge. The PMC is the nation's first fund raising bike-a-thon and raises more money (by FAR) than any other athletic fund raising event in the world. Last year we raised $35 million and 100% of every dollar went directly to research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund.

I have been riding the Pan Mass since 2002 and it is something I am incredibly proud to be part of. 

Every year, I struggle with whether  to participate because I end up soliciting the same people every year and I am a quite aware of “donor fatigue”.  But in the end, this is an important event. It makes a tangible difference in the fight against cancer. It is worthwhile.

Personally, I ride so my kids will never know what cancer is. My daughter Gretchen is now involved and she loves it! In 2008 she started by completing two PMC Kids Rides and raised a little over $500. This year she achieved “Heavy Hitter” status as one of the best fund raisers! Owen is up next -he loves riding his tricyle!

I am off to a late start with the fund raising, so please be generous. It will be worth it when we wipe out cancer for good.

You can give on-line by going to http://www.pmc.org/profile/DL0080

and clicking on the “Donate to my ride” button.

Or, if you prefer, you can send a check made out to "PMC/Jimmy Fund" to:
David LeFebvre 31578-2
DL0080
Pan-Mass Challenge
77 4th Ave
Needham, MA 02494.

Your gifts are 100% tax deductible.
 
I ride to honor the following people and will wear their names on my jersey to remind me of why I ride:

•     Andrew Snekvik friend who died of colon cancer
•     Paul Verni my cousin who died of leukemia
•     David LeFebvre my father who beat prostate cancer!
•     Kurt Whitaker my college roommate who beat testicular cancer!
•     Fran Holt family friend who recently died of pancreatic cancer
•     Jack Bowe family friend who recently died of cancer
•     Sharron Woodger Jeanne's cousin currently battling cancer
•     Trudy Curtiss Jeanne's aunt who lost her battle with cancer
•     Frank Curtiss Jeanne's uncle who lost his battle with cancer
•     John Curtiss Jeanne's uncle who lost his battle with cancer
•     Jim Curtiss Jeanne's uncle who lost his battle with cancer 
•     Carlos Sastre friend, 2008 Tour de France Champion, and cancer advocate
•     Andy Sudduth rowing friend (hero actually!) and Olympic medalist who died of pancreatic cancer   
•     Pete Cipollone rowing friend and Olympic Gold medalist who beat cancer!                       
•     Dr. John Gridley extended family member who died of liver cancer
•     Earl McHattie extended family member who died of pancreatic cancer
•     David Walko friend and co-worker who beat prostate cancer!
•     Henry Fenyo 6 year old son of college buddy currently             battling Leukemia
•     Marc Mandich friend of friend who died of cancer 2004   
•     Sebastian Müller one of the rowers I coached who beat            cancer last year 2011!
•    Jane Cournoyer family friend who died of breast cancer.
•    Steve Lasala my uncle who inspired me to first ride the PMC      and beat testicular canceer
•    Roberta Wilbur family friend who beat breast cancer!
•    Walter Rampley family friend who died of lung cancer. 
•    Tom Dunn family friend who died of prostate cancer. 

If there is anyone you would like to honor or remember, I would be proud to put their names on my bike -just let me know!

Thanks!!!

Love,
Dave