The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), the world’s single most successful athletic fundraiser, has announced a $78 million gift for cancer research, treatment, and patient care at the top-ranked Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since its founding in 1980, the PMC has raised a total of $1.125 billion to advance Dana-Farber’s mission in the fight against cancer. The milestone gift was announced during a celebratory brunch at Rochambeau in Boston on Sunday morning.
“This year's fundraising total is a testament to the power of community and the heart of every rider, volunteer and donor who makes the PMC what it is,” said Billy Starr, PMC founder and chairman. “Each year, we ride not only to raise funds, but to raise hope. In doing so, we continue to touch lives and redefine what’s possible. Our collective drive keeps us moving forward, Closer By the Mile, toward a future without cancer.”
For the 19th consecutive year, 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar has gone directly to Dana-Farber to support lifesaving cancer research, treatment and care.
The PMC is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor and accounts for 67 percent of The Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue. Through this transformative philanthropic relationship, PMC funding continues to be a foundation on which Dana-Farber has built its success. Dana-Farber has made substantive contributions in the development of more than half of all cancer drugs approved by the FDA in the last five years, and is a national leader in conducting clinical trials, currently offering more than 1,200 active clinical trials.
The PMC’s philanthropy holds particular importance as the need for funding is greater than ever, and cancer incidences are on the rise. In Massachusetts, new cancer cases rose by 27% between 2020 and 2024. In the state, there have also been 455 new cases/10,000 individuals per year diagnosed with cancer — higher than the national average (CDC).
“I am deeply grateful to the Pan-Mass Challenge for its unwavering partnership and transformational impact on cancer research and care,” said Benjamin L. Ebert, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “As a seven-time PMC and first-time PMC Unpaved rider, I am tremendously inspired by the dedication of this incredible community and their support for scientific discovery and patient care.”
During PMC Weekend in August, 6,500 riders and 3,500 volunteers rallied together from around the world, cycling up to 186 miles across Massachusetts to fundraise for this year’s gift. In addition to PMC Weekend, the critical funds donated this year were raised through other “spokes in the wheel,” including the PMC Winter Cycle, a charitable spin event at Fenway Park; PMC Unpaved, now the most successful gravel cycling fundraiser in the country; and PMC Kids Rides, mini bike-a-thons that give children an opportunity to get involved in the fight against cancer.
The PMC is co-presented by the Red Sox Foundation® and M&T Bank. To learn more, visit www.pmc.org, or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with the PMC on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About the Pan-Mass Challenge
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is a bike-a-thon that today raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the world. The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, who remains the event's founder & chairman, an annual cyclist, and a fundraiser. The PMC has since raised $1.125 billion for adult and pediatric patient care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The event donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause, generating 67 percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue as Dana-Farber's single largest contributor. The PMC has successfully melded support from committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual donors, all of whom are essential to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing its annual gift. The PMC's hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers with the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers. For more information on the Pan-Mass Challenge, visit www.pmc.org.
About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the world’s leading centers of cancer research and treatment. Dana-Farber’s mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement and advocacy. Dana-Farber is a federally designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
Dana-Farber is the only hospital nationwide with a top 3 U.S. News & World Report Best Cancer Hospital ranking in both adult and pediatric care.
As a global leader in oncology, Dana-Farber is dedicated to a unique and equal balance between cancer research and care, translating the results of discovery into new treatments for patients locally and around the world, offering more than 1,200 clinical trials.
About the Jimmy Fund
The Jimmy Fund, established in Boston in 1948, is comprised of community-based fundraising events and other programs that, solely and directly, benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's lifesaving mission to provide compassionate patient care and groundbreaking cancer research for children and adults. The Jimmy Fund is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Mass Challenge, and the Variety Children's Charity of New England. Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped Dana-Farber save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer for patients and families worldwide. Follow the Jimmy Fund on Facebook, X, and Instagram: @TheJimmyFund.
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