PMC Kids Rides Help Massachusetts Children Raise Money to Fight Cancer

Dozens of children, some as young as 16 months, rode their bikes at Patriot Place to help raise money for cancer research.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the PMC Kids Rides program, which offers children, parents and their neighbors the opportunity to work together to create individual bike marathons in neighborhoods, schools or shopping complexes.

“I’m going to do it for my Pappy, who’s in heaven,” said Gracie Burke of Rhode Island.

One hundred percent of every dollar raised by passengers goes to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Last year, PMC Kids Rides events raised $403,000, which went toward the Pan-Mass Challenge’s $72 million donation to Dana-Farber.

“We wanted to help people raise money,” said 6-year-old Dean.

“Because it’s sad when people get sick,” said 9-year-old Maya.

Saturday’s trip in Foxborough was organized by longtime New England Patriots special team captain Matthew Slater, a three-time Super Bowl champion who retired from the NFL earlier this year.

“I think we all understand how cancer affects so many people in so many different ways, and we want to do everything we can to help those on the front lines fighting the disease,” Slater said.

“These children are learning the value of not only thinking about themselves, but also about others,” said Dr. Shahrzad Slater, wife of Matthew Slater.

Patriots offensive lineman Michael Jordan, who is in his first season with the team, also came out to support those fighting cancer.

Hearst property

“I talked to two families and they are cancer survivors, and I think it’s a great blessing because not only do they inspire hope in other people, but they are warriors, so I congratulate them,” Jordan said.

“A lot of these riders, their parents or siblings participate in our big PMC in August and it gives them a way to be able to give back and do what their elders do, which is great,” said Justine Darmanian, director. of volunteer operations and children’s attractions for the Pan-Mass Challenge.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Blake Jost of Attleboro. “I thought I would love this and I did.”

The PMC Kids Rides event at Patriot Place raised $10,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute alone.

This year, the Pan-Mass Challenge is on track to surpass $1 billion in lifetime fundraising.

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