PMC Opening Ceremonies A Hit In Sturbridge
STURBRIDGE (CBS) -- People from all walks of life shared their stories about how cancer has touched their lives at the Pan-Mass Challenge opening ceremonies Friday night in Sturbridge.
Founder Billy Starr discussed how the goal is to raise $45 million this year, and so far participants have raised nearly $29 million toward the cause.
He says committed individuals from eight countries and 41 states will be riding this year.
"The PMC is a 75 percent alumni event," he told the crowd. "If I were to create my own Hall of Fame, it would likely start here. We have 28 riders who have been riding for at least 30 years.
"You can only imagine the seeds they planted amongst their friends and families to ride, volunteer, donate, or all three."
Watch: PMC Founder Billy Starr
Louise Santosuosso told WBZ-TV's Lisa Hughes and David Wade that she raised $50,000 for the PMC by selling dog calendars.
Watch: Santosuosso Raises Money For PMC Selling Dog Calendars
Fundraising efforts benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Watch: Cancer Patients, Survivors Talk About What PMC Means To Them
Among those who spoke during the event at are first-time riders Gov. Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh, past rider Secretary of State John Kerry, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez and cancer patients and survivors, as well as many riders riding for different reasons.
Watch: Gov. Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty Walsh Proud To Ride In PMC
If you missed the event, check out our video page to see what happened at the event.
