Sandy Hook Resident Takes The Pan Mass Challenge For Cancer Research

By Sarah Scinto

Thousands of cyclists will fill the streets of Massachusetts on the first weekend of August, and Sandy Hook resident Christine Sudbey will be among them.

The Pan Mass Challenge is an annual bike-a-thon that crosses several routes throughout Massachusetts. The routes stretch up to 190 miles, spanning distances between the two starting lines in Sturbridge and Wellesley and the five finish lines in Provincetown, Bourne, Wellesley, and Sharon. Riders and volunteers collect pledges and funds, 100 percent of which are donated to the cancer research efforts of The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund.

Ms Sudbey will take part in the one-day challenge, biking 84 miles from Wellesley to Bourne for her second Pan Mass Challenge ride.

“I can’t think of a better way to support cancer patients,” she said. “It’s a statement; it’s a way you can actually, physically do something.”

According to The Jimmy Fund, last year’s Pan Mass Challenge saw a turnout of 5,500 riders who raised a total of $35 million. Pan Mass Challenge organizers hope to break that record by setting this year’s goal at $36 million.

Ms Sudbey has raised $1,351.15 of her $3,000 goal by hosting a tag sale and spreading the word among her friends and neighbors.

Ms Sudbey says she rides because of the effect cancer has had on her own life. As she was preparing for her first ride in the Pan Mass Challenge, her father was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He passed away earlier this year.

Ms Sudbey recognizes that cancer has the potential to affect anyone.

“It’s everywhere; it isn’t long before someone you may know is affected by it,” said Ms Sudbey.

Since her father’s passing, Ms Sudbey says three of her neighbors have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Working for a cure in her own way has become one of Ms Sudbey’s passions.

“It would be great to overcome [cancer] in this lifetime,” she said. “I would want to pass something like that on to the next generation.”

Although the cause is serious, riding in the Pan Mass Challenge has become a source of inspiration for riders and volunteers alike.

“I really want to enjoy the people,” Ms. Sudbey said. “There are so many stories out there.”

After months of training around town, Ms Sudbey will join the Pan Mass Challenge riders on August 4. For more information on the Pan Mass Challenge or to become involved, visit www.pmc.org

To make donations to Ms Subdy’s ride, search for her name, Christine Sudbey, on the website listed above.