Many Kids. One Mission. Cure Cancer.
On Sunday, June 16th, the Franklin PMC (Pan Mass Challenge) Kids Ride will be one of more than 35 PMC Kids Rides throughout the New England area. Last year, the Franklin ride attracted more than 230 young cyclists between the ages of 3 and 14, who rode between 3 and 10 miles. The ride raised more than $58,000, exceeding their goal, for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Altogether, the PMC Kids Rides program has raised more than $9 million since their first ride in 1998.
The Franklin PMC Kids Ride was started 13 years ago by Franklin resident Lisa Marchioni. Prior to its start, Lisa and her two young children participated in a ride in a nearby town. The kids had so much fun and actually felt like they were helping fight cancer. Lisa’s oldest daughter was so proud about what she accomplished, that she asked her Mom if they could start a ride in Franklin and get all her friends involved. The Franklin ride was started the following year in honor of Lisa’s close friend who passed away from lung cancer.
This ride is a unique event that motivates kids to learn about the importance of giving back, introduces them volunteerism and fundraising, and offers a way for children to become part of the PMC mission in a safe and athletic way. There is even a fun checklist given to each registered rider that gives them easy suggestions on how to challenge themselves to be part of the cure. Many kids have lemonade stands, car washes, bake sales, and yard sales to not only raise money for their ride, but also to interact with the community and promote the PMC. These kids have so much passion and determination; they actually feel like they are making a difference, and each year say they can’t wait for next year’s ride.
The kids form teams to honor a friend or loved one who has been touched by cancer and each team is tasked with a fundraising goal. The Neuroblastoma Ninjas, Cancer Crushers, Medway Mites, Trailblazers and Pedaling Pandas are just a few teams with dedicated riders that return every year. And one hundred percent of rider-raised donations go directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These donations benefit research, treatment, and care for children and families impacted by cancer.
The Franklin PMC Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, June 16th, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The ride will start and end at the Jefferson School, located at 628 Washington St. in Franklin. Kids can select from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. Kids can also enjoy an after-ride celebration with music, games, food, and more. Younger participants, not yet on two wheels, can partake in the Tikes and Trikes course in a contained area at the school. This area has several fun stations and activities for the little ones, including a car wash, gas station, snack stand, craft table, face painting, and more. There is a $10 registration fee and a $30 fundraising minimum for all riders.
Register online at https://kids.pmc.org/franklin. All local communities are encouraged to participate. For more information, please contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net
Issue Date:
May, 2019
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