Dana-Farber Staff Rides Pan-Mass Challenge to Conquer Cancer

Coming back as a second year rider, Hillary Repucci, a Director on Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund’s Principal and Major Gifts team, will ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) on August 6 and 7.

Hillary will ride the 164 miles across Massachusetts to raise money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a part of TEAM MG, named after her witty and beloved aunt Margie who passed away from esophagogastric cancer four years ago. Here, in her own words, is why Hillary strives to bring Dana-Farber closer by the mile:

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My dad called one day and asked me about the PMC, a charity cycling event that he thought sounded like fun. Since he was about to celebrate a “big” birthday and had recently recovered from a major surgery, he was ready for a challenge and also wanted to give back in a meaningful way.

The PMC seemed like the perfect way to celebrate his next chapter of life and support a cause that is close to our family. Before he knew it, he had registered for the PMC, founded TEAM MG, and taken on the role as our fearless Captain.

Cycling has been a happy part of our family life since I was very young. We have created so many wonderful memories of our family enjoying bike rides together. When dad told me he was going to register for the PMC, I was right there with him and ready to take on this challenge, too.

Last year was my first ride—it was an amazing and emotional experience that I would not have wanted to experience with anyone else. The greatest moment was crossing the finish line alongside my husband, brother, and father, with our biggest cheerleader, my mother, waving us across the line.

So many thoughts go through your mind while the miles pass you by, but the most meaningful moments are those when you see a little face holding a big sign saying ”thanks to you, I am alive” as you pedal along. These reminders of why we ride make me proud to be able to share this incredible experience with my family.

This year, I will ride in memory of my aunt Margie and the many other loved ones and friends that cancer has taken from us too soon. I also ride in honor of those who have courageously battled cancer and are now the most incredible SURVIVORS; particularly my brother Max, two aunts, and most recently my sister-in-law.

In their honor, TEAM MG fundraises for the Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer at Dana-Farber with the hope that the support will help bring new therapies and brighter futures for patients at Dana-Farber.

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Hilary and the rest of TEAM MG have trained hard, fundraised ferociously, and are anxiously anticipating the start of PMC weekend!

Looking forward to her second year riding the PMC, Hilary has some words of wisdom for riders interested in joining more than 6,000 cyclists on the PMC course this August:

“Start your fundraising early! Host an event or two, and don’t do it alone. Join a team or work with others to develop a fundraising plan. With some preparation, you’ll be able to exceed your goal. The PMC is a tremendous physical accomplishment. I’m proud to be a part of this well-respected organization. It is a fun and top-notch event, and every fundraising dollar helps patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I can’t imagine anything better.”

Since 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) has successfully melded support from cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual contributors to raise $500 million for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund, with 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly supporting the mission. Registration for the Sunday PMC is still open!

Hillary Repucci
Director, Principal and Major Gifts