In April of 2007, as an otherwise healthy and active 28 year old, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Thanks to decades of investment this cancer is eminently treatable and curable, and after 6 months of chemotherapy and radiation I was cancer free, and have been fortunate to remain so over the last decade plus. In that 15+ year span I was fortunate to marry my best friend and discover the singular true joy in life, becoming a father to my wonderful son Sean. A few generations ago that would not have been possible for me.
Unfortunately over that last decade I also lost my father, father-in-law and a college classmate to cancer - a reminder that much more work can be done. In addition to lives lost I have seen countless others face cancer down successfully and join the group of survivors I am proud to be a part of. That is why I am again choosing to ride the PMC; to do a small part in ensuring the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which does groundbreaking global work on cancer and cures, continues to receive the critical investment it needs to help save and prolong life.
This will be my 10th PMC ride. Together in those years we have raised over $60,000. In 2023 I am aiming to raise $10,000. I will once again join the Boston Bruins Foundation Team, who passes along 100% of rider raised funds to the PMC at an early season Bruins game following the completion of the PMC fundraising period.
Since 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge has raised $970 million in support of lifesaving cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In 2023, the PMC made a record gift of $72 million. The 2024 event will bring the all-time funds raised and donated amount to over ONE BILLION dollars, an amazing amount of investment to an incredibly worthy cause.
The PMC is a wonderful event and makes a real difference in the fight against cancer; I am excited I have the physical ability to ride, to have a wonderful and loving family to cheer me on and excited to support an organization that was central to my own care and therapy, DFCI. Thank you for your commitment and please reach out with any questions or remarks (gmsheehan@gmail.com). If you would prefer to send a check you can send to me, made out to “Boston Bruins Foundation” at;
Gary Sheehan, 257 Percival Drive, West Barnstable, MA 02668
This year I am excited to once again ride with the Boston Bruins Foundation Team – a great group of committed PMC riders, Bruins fans, team employees and alumni. We will use the Run Sign Up platform for all fundraising and present a check to the PMC during a Bruins game early in the 2024-2025 season.
