Central MA Cyclist Raises More than $116,000 for Pan-Mass Challenge

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Monday, March 02, 2015

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Since 2006, Bob Martin of Charlton has raised more than $116,000 for the Pan-Mass Challenge. Martin is approaching his tenth PMC and will fulfill his original goals of riding for ten years and raising more than $100,000.

"I got involved after many close family members were diagnosed and passed away from cancer, including my mother, my aunt and godmother, and my grandmother.  My father was diagnosed as well and survived.  I have many friends and family who have been diagnosed, some who have passed, many who have survived," said Martin. "I ride for a cure, and to improve survival rates and important services.  My friend from Charlton, Alan Turner, now riding in his 23rd PMC, got me involved after we discussed it while coaching our sons in Little League baseball. The boys are now in college. Alan’s father died from cancer, which is how he got involved.  I shared a similar story with him, and after helping me with steps on purchasing the bike and fundraising, the rest was training, and repeating every year."

This year is the 36th Pan-Mass Challenge and it will be held on August 1 and 2. The PMC raises money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to the Jimmy Fund. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $445 million dollars for Dana Farber. Last year, the PMC raised $41 Million. This year, the goal is $45 Million.

Martin's personal goal is to raise $15,000. 

Martin said, "Everyone is impacted by cancer. Every one of us, directly or indirectly.  By getting engaged and taking action, I make a direct impact by raising funds to help find a cure, improve survival rates and increase services.  Since everyone is impacted, many of my family and friends (via work, former and current jobs, schools my kids attended, youth sport teams I coached, boards I served on, high school, colleges and law school I attended, church, and industry professionals) have supported me and continue to support me.  I reach out through e-mail, Facebook, Linked-In, church bulletin, regular mail and help my friends with their fundraising efforts.  It is a common cause and something that those you connect with enthusiastically support you, even in tough economic times."

The PMC draws 5,500 riders every year. Martin rides with several teams in the PMC Challenge including Team Brent which includes Turner and his daughter Meaghan, 10-year rider Tony O'Donnell, and 9-year rider Ed White, all of Charlton. 

"At age 51 in 2015, I may step back and let the younger folks ride (average PMC rider age is 45 years old), or perhaps do the one-day ride.  I am in excellent physical condition, but with all the training, it impacts the time away from family.  I will reassess my goals after this year’s ride.  Either way, I will continue to volunteer, fundraise and support the PMC and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund going forward," said Martin.

To donate to Martin's team and the PMC, please send a check payable to “The Pan-Mass Challenge,”c/o Bob Martin, 262 Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA 01507. To make a donation on-line, please click http://www2.pmc.org/profile/RM0167, and click “Donate to My Ride.” Martin is hoping to have as many donations as possible by Friday, April 24.

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