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Pan-Mass Challenge Riders Find Inspiration In Young Cancer Patients

BOSTON (CBS) – During a recent event at Fenway Park, cyclists in this summer's Pan-Massachusetts Challenge had the opportunity to meet some of the young faces that will inspire them on their nearly 200-mile journey.

Young Jimmy Fund patients stole the show during an event where children met the cyclists who will be riding in their honor.

Related: Mayor Walsh, Gov. Baker To Ride In Pan-Mass Challenge

It was the children who inspired the adults in advance of August's 192-mile Pan-Mass Challenge fundraising ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown.

Twelve additional routes are available for riders who want to raise money through the Pan-Mass Challenge.

Sarah Byrne was at the Fenway Park event with her son, who completed chemotherapy in March and so far is cancer free.

"He's a really happy boy right now," she said.

PMC Riders
PMC riders recently attended an event at Fenway Park where they met the young patients they're paired up with. (WBZ-TV)

Byrne's son was also excited because during the Fenway Park event he found out he was on the Boston Bruins team for the Pan-Mass Challenge.

"He's super excited," said Byrne. "We had no idea we would be on the Bruins' team."

Shawn Mullen is riding in his seventh Pan-Mass Challenge, which aims to raise $45 million for cancer research.

He told WBZ-TV that meeting the young cancer patients reminds riders how important the ride is.

"They're stories of hope and survival and struggle and fight," said Mullen. "So when we're out there riding the bike it really makes it worthwhile."

WBZ is a proud partner of the Pan Mass Challenge. For more information on the event, visit the group's website.

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