Six from Malden pedal to raise cash for cancer research

Mark Wilson for the Boston Globe

Riders took off during the Pan-Mass challenge, an annual ride across Massachusetts that raises money for cancer research.

By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent

This August, a half dozen Malden residents will saddle up for the Pan-Mass Challenge, a two-day cycling event that raises millions for cancer research.

In its 33rd year, organizers of the fund-raising event this year are challenging riders to raise $36 million to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. If raised, the amount would be a record for the riding event.

According to the group, 100 percent of rider-raised dollars goes directly to research, among some of the most generous donation rates, organizers said. Sponsorship dollars, as well as volunteer and donated time and services, make the ride’s extensive support network of flaggers, medical personnel, and concession services possible.

“The PMC is the gold standard of athletic fundraising events,” says Billy Starr, Pan-Massachusetts Challenge founder and executive director, in a statement. “PMCers are as committed to raising money for cancer research as they are to pedaling the miles. PMC cyclists are all heart and soul.”

Last year, the ride brought $35 million to Dana Farber, accounting for $1 of every $5 donated to the institute, according to the Pan-Mass promoters.

Riders can chose from a variety of routes with one- and two-day itineraries, from the shortest 25-mile jaunt, to a full 190 mile trek across the state. In all, roughly 5,500 are expected to pedal toward a cure, with an additional 3,000 working as volunteers and support staff.

Riders from Malden include: Maurici Barraza, Thomas Finn, Vanessa Heppeler, Dinu Nair, Eric Noble, and April Ricciardone.