Sandy Hook Cyclists Pedal For A Good Cause

By Andy Hutchison

Sandy Hook residents Monte Frank and Tom Kelleher were among more than 5,000 bicyclists who participated in the fundraising and cycling efforts in support of cancer research and treatment which culminated with the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) this past weekend.

The Challenge, a Massachusetts-based bike riding event to assist in cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund, is in its 30th year.

As good as it may feel to complete a long ride — particularly a 192-mile course which is what Frank endured — the best part about the event was the feeling of helping those battling the disease. The challenge of the Pan-Mass Challenge, of course, was more about raising as much money as possible than completing a grueling two-day ride.

“This weekend is all about trying to do something that helps others and helps the cause, raising money for finding a cure,” Frank said.

Franks traversed the longest of the routes, which took him from Sturbridge to Provincetown on Cape Cod. The cyclists started their days at about 5:30 am, pedaled 112 miles on the first day and, after a night of sleep, finished the ride the next day. Pan-Mass volunteers, of which there were a few thousand, provided rest stops with refueling foods and drinks, as well as first aid needs, every 20-or-so-miles.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Frank, adding that the streets are lined with cheering supporters. “It’s pretty moving.”

The riders, all of whom have to raise money in order to participate, have various reasons for partaking in the Challenge. Some ride in honor of loved ones they have lost to cancer, some in recognition of friends battling the disease. They all strap into their pedals because it is a good cause.

Frank rides both in memory of a friend and in recognition of a relative who has battled the disease. His nephew, Randy Frank, was the inspiration for Team R, which Monte Frank founded for the 2002 PMC as a way to honor his victory over childhood leukemia. Randy will celebrate his 12th birthday this summer. He was diagnosed with leukemia on October 27, 1999, almost ten years ago, and finished his treatment almost seven years ago.

“His story is living proof of the research that institutes like Dana-Farber are doing to help kids and grownups beat cancer,” Frank said.

Frank also rides, and raises money, in memory of Ronni Duncan, a friend who courageously fought cancer for 15 years.

On Frank’s profile on the PMC website, the 40-year-old specifies that he rides for children being treated for cancer so that the money raised will expedite the finding of a cure. “I ride for my kids and yours and the hope that they will live in a world where cancer is remembered in the same way that we remember polio and other diseases of the past,” he adds.

This year, Frank set a goal to raise $11,000 to help fight cancer. He has pulled in more that $7,000 and fundraising continues until October. His team’s goal is $50,000, which would put would put the team’s efforts well over the $600,000 mark in eight years.

Kelleher states on his profile: “I am excited to ride my third year and try and fight this disease. Thanks to all my supporters in the past and for all my future rides.” Kelleher could not be reached for comment before deadline this week.

The Pan-Mass Challenge has a goal to raise $30 million. In 2008, the PMC donated 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause. The PMC generates half of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue and it is Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor. Those who wish to make a donation may do so by visiting pmc.org. Donations may be made in support of specific riders.