The Fight Against Cancer Goes Social

There are 3 undeniable motivators that helped to inspire cyclingagainstcancer.com:

1. Riding 163+ miles through Massachusetts to the tip of Cape Cod is hard

2. Raising our team minimum of $8,400 is even harder

3. Both pale in comparison to the battle against cancer

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) organizes a bunch of people to take on the first two challenges to fight those battling cancer, and to focus our collective efforts on investing in the future cure.  It’s awesome on so many levels.  Last year, the PMC donated $30,384,200 to the Jimmy Fund for adult and pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

One of the coolest things about the PMC is the sheer amount of inspiration behind the 5,000 riders and 2,000 volunteers.  Although the event takes place on two-days in August (August 7-8 this year), there are literally months of training, planning, and fundraising that go into the event.  On ‘race day’ people wear pictures of their loved ones on their cycling jerseys, write mementos on their bodies or clothing, and thousands of others come out with signs and displays of support for the cause.  It’s inspirational.  You try riding down the road and seeing a little girl holding a sign that says “My Mom is Alive Because Of You” and not get choked up and even more motivated.  That’s what this is about, and that’s why we’re here.

There’s also no denying that Social Media is a powerful tool for individuals, businesses, and non-profits.  The PMC realized it in 2009 when they launched the PMC Paceline concept, which allows visual support for PMC riders (virtual riders, paceline supporters, etc) and now you can find the PMC on Twitter and Facebook as well.  Naturally, riders are following suit, leveraging powerful social networks to build larger support communities and make a greater impact.

So here we are: cyclingagainstcancer.com.  Don’t keep us a secret.  If you like this site, subscribe and share it with your family and friends.  Help us spread the word by posting our articles out to Facebook and Twitter.  Let us know about people in your life that have been affected by cancer, because we’ll ride for them too!  At the end of the day, it’s our goal to grow this community, both in terms of riders and supporters.

This site will chronicle our training for the 2010 PMC, feature our supporters and fundraising efforts, and point you to other news and happenings in the world of cancer advocacy.  We hope you enjoy it, and we certainly hope we earn your support.  We’re excited and ready to take on the 2010 PMC, and we’re glad to have you on our team!