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Norton’s Prentice Smith (right) and Steve Mooney (left) hope to raise over $3,000 over tomorrow as they ride to Bourne.
Local riders up to the challenge
By David Auguste
Thu Aug 02, 2007, 02:18 PM EDT
Norton -To most fans, July 14th was just another Red Sox game against Toronto.
But to those competing in the upcoming Pan-Mass challenge, it was an opportunity to spread the news of the upcoming fundraiser that aims to raise money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the efforts of the Jimmy Fund.
Just before Japanese sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka toted the mound and fired six innings of nine-hit baseball in a 9-4 win, the bicyclers involved in the Pan Mass Challenge, made their way around historic Fenway Park to the cheers of the Fenway faithful in attendance.
The Pan-Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. According to the PMC website’s “Committed cyclists and volunteers as well as corporate sponsors and individual contributors are essential to the PMC meeting its goals. Since it’s founding in 1980, the PMC has been successful in mobilizing increased support from all these constituencies.”
Cyclists engage in the grueling two-day event held August 4-5, for a myriad of reasons. Some take part due to the loss of a loved one to the life-threatening disease while others compete to fulfill their civil duties to help their fellow man or woman.
Several riders from the Norton area have enlisted in this year’s challenge to help the cause and show what they are made of. Here are their reasons for riding and their stories about the pan-Mass Challenge.
Lori Johnson
NM: How long have you been riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge?
LJ: I've been involved in the PMC since 1992. I was a volunteer for the first 3 years, until I decided to buy a bike and become a rider in 1995. Also, my sister Denise (Fournier) Monroe and my husband Brian Johnson started riding in 2001.
NM: What made you start riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge?
My godfather died from brain cancer in Nov. 1991. It was very difficult and devastating watching him suffer and losing him. When I learned about the PMC, it was a way for me to channel my sadness toward something positive. There are so many other important people in my life that have battled cancer as well, and I ride for each of them.
NM: Are you making the trek by yourself or are you part of a team?
LJ: I will be riding with my sister and my husband. We are also part of Team Greene, and we also ride in honor of our good friend Susan's late husband Stephen.
NM: What portion of the ride are you taking part in? If the entire route, is this the first time you've rode the whole route?
LJ: In past years, I have done both the 1-day (Sturbridge to Bourne) and the 2-day (Sturbridge to P-town) rides. This year I will be doing the 1-day ride from Sturbridge to Bourne.
NM: What is your goal figure to raise this year?
LJ: Our goal is collectively to raise $12,000.
Jeffrey Zella
How long have you been riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge?
JZ: This will be my second year.
NM: What made you start riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge?
JZ: A close friend got me interested. He also happens to be the captain (or Mayor) of the team I'm riding with. I rode last year and felt like it was best experiences of my life. You really feel like you're a part of something big. I'm hooked!
NM: Are you making the trek by yourself or are you part of a team?
JZ: I'm riding with a team of 11 other very dedicated guys. All have been affected by cancer in some way. Our team name is the Flying Henry's.
NM: What portion of the ride are you taking part in? If the entire route, is this the first time you've rode the whole route?
JZ: I'm riding from Wellesley to Bourne (one-day ride), although several members of my team will be doing the two-day ride, ending in Provincetown.
NM: What is your goal figure to raise this year?
JZ: $2500
Prentice Smith
NM: How long have you been riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge?
PS: This is my first PMC.
NM: What made you start riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge?
PS: My mother Frances Smith of Foxboro was diagnosed with Leukemia a few years back and still has regular visits to Dana Farber, and my uncle Bruno Andracchio passed away a week after last years event from cancer. My office started a team last year and I just really wanted to be part of it.
NM: Are you making the trek by yourself or are you part of a team?
PS: I am part of Team Jack Morton.
NM: What portion of the ride are you taking part in? If the entire route, is this the first time you've rode the whole route?
PS: I am doing day one only. I would like to do both days in the future, but was a little concerned with the minimum fund-raising requirements for both days.
NM: What is your goal figure to raise this year?
PS: I am hoping to raise $3,000-plus this year.
For more information on the Pan-Mass challenge or to make donations visit www.PMC.org. For fundraising letters, photos, and testimonials from the riders visit www.NortonMirror.com.
David Auguste can be reached at Dauguste@cnc.com
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