Family and Friends,
As I have for the past 3 summers, on August 1st and 2nd, I will be doing my part to raise money for cancer research and care by pedaling for the cure. I will be riding 185 miles over 2-days from Sturbridge to Bourne to Wellesley, MA in the 2009 Pan-Mass Challenge to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute here in Boston. Being a testicular cancer survivor myself, I know on a personal level how critical it is to raise these research dollars.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the PMC and now, more than ever, the dollars raised by this weekend event are so critical. With the downturn in the economy fundraising efforts are certain to be difficult this year, but the need has not gone away, because cancer has not yet gone away.
I will be riding again as part of Team Xaverian, which for 2009 consists of 8 dedicated riders. We once again intend to earmark our fundraising dollars directly to Dr. Christopher Turner, a researcher at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and a 1985 graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School. We met with Dr. Turner shortly after the ride last year and got to see exactly where our fundraising dollars went. Not only were they used to aid in groundbreaking research, but also to meet the quality of life needs for patients which are not typically covered by insurance. Our fundraising dollars help to bridge that gap.
As you know from years past, the PMC is the single largest contributor to Dana Farber, raising over $35 million dollars last year alone and over $250 million in its history. The fundraising minimum for each rider this year has been raised to $4,000, which is by no means a small task, and the reason I am again asking for your help. Words cannot describe how humbled I have been by the generosity and support of my family and friends over the past three years. All of you have helped me raise over $16,000 for this incredibly worth cause.
Although the ride is not until August, I try each year to meet my fundraising goals as soon as possible so I can concentrate on training. You can donate by either mailing me a check made out to “Kevin Nowak” or by using a credit card online. Simply log on to www.pmc.org and use my e-gift ID # KN0052 or just click here. It's really easy! Many companies also have matching donations programs that may be an option for you as well. Please consider a gift in any amount, no matter how small [or large!] it will be greatly appreciated. A little in abundance is a lot. Remember that all donations to the PMC are tax deductible.
In closing, I take this challenge seriously every year and more than ever I want to be part of the effort to find a solution. You would be hard-pressed to find a more worthy and leaner organization than the PMC. In 2008, 100 percent of all funds raised by the 5,000 PMC riders went directly to the Jimmy Fund. I truly believe somewhere along the PMC roads lies a cure for cancer. You can help us find it.
Thank you so much for your generous and continued support!
[if you need my mailing address, current as well as the new one after May 1, just shoot me an email]
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T-Shirts!
There’s no better way to show your support for the PMC and Team Xaverian than by ordering a Team Xaverian 2009 t-shirt. [see below the front and back graphics] The shirts come in both men’s and women’s cuts, sizes small through 2XL and only cost $10 each. If you’d like one, or more, please email me the size and cut, then send payment to the address below. While PMC donations can be made throughout the summer, all t-shirt orders must be received by April 10th.
Thanks so much for all your support over the past 4 years!
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Update: Earlier today all us PMC'ers got an email from Dr. Ed Benz, the el presidente of Dana Farber. I thought his final paragraph was very poignant given our current economy...in his words:
The advances of the past several years represent a vital down payment on future scientific gains. We owe it to patients and their loved ones to make the most of this moment in science and maintain, or even accelerate, our pace of research. That's why your assistance is so critical. I know it's hard to ask for support when there is so much poor economic news. But just like on the road, when the hills are ahead, now is the time to bear down and give it our best efforts. I, and all the faculty and staff at Dana-Farber, are extremely appreciative of your continued commitment to our shared purpose. Best wishes for a healthy and productive 2009 PMC.