Middleboro 8-Year-Old Inspires PMC Team

BOSTON (CBS) - Eight year-old Dylan Berio is sick of cancer. He was diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma when he was just three years old. What his parents hoped were allergy-related headaches turned out to be far worse. He now lives with three inoperable brain tumors. Dylan still gets headaches and the tumors (one of which is in his optic nerve) also affect his vision.

But he sees, clearly, the power of the Pan-Mass Challenge through a friendship with Team Blue Hills Bank. "They raise money for kids with cancer," Dylan told WBZ's Lisa Hughes.

Dylan's mom, Dawn couldn't be more grateful. Of Team Blue Hills Bank, she says, "We are so happy. They are like our extended family."

PMC weekend (Aug. 6/7, 2016) is a gift. "I think the coming together of all those people just helps us put our focus somewhere else."

Dylan's most recent tests at Dana Farber Cancer Institute show that his tumors are stable. They aren't growing. That is good news. It means, for now, he will continue with weekly chemotherapy treatments.

For much of 2015, Dylan was able to avoid chemotherapy. He calls that period of time "awesome" because he got to see his girlfriend, Abby more often. Dylan lights up when he talks about the girl he met in kindergarten. "She's beautiful!" Dylan says with a smile.

Like most people, she knows how much he loves Matchbox cars. He collects them. He also gives them to patients—of all ages—at Dana Farber as a way of "giving back" for the kindness so many people have shown him. He says when he hands another child a Matchbox car, they are surprised and delighted. Their smiles motivate him.

In turn, Dylan is a powerful motivation and inspiration for Team Blue Hills Bank. He gives the members Matchbox cars to wear on their bike helmets, choosing each car—personally—for the rider.

Team founder, Tom Sommerfield got a race car. "The great thing is," he beams, "it's quicker than the one he gave my friend—who is my boss—and co-leads the team."

This year, Dylan and Tom share an even deeper bond. Tom finished treatment for prostate cancer six months ago. "I got on the bike about a month later," Tom explains. "I don't go as fast as I used to. But I go."

How long will he ride the PMC? "I'm going to ride until I can't ride anymore…it's become more and more important every year."

This year, Team Blue Hills Bank is drawing on Dylan's inspiration to hit a milestone. Members are working to raise $350,000. That would bring the five-year total to a million dollars.

Dylan and his family will be at the Pedal Partner tent in Lakeville on Saturday to cheer on the riders and give Team Blue Hills Bank members high-fives.