From the President of Dana-Farber to all PMC Cyclists, Volunteers and Donors
June 22, 2007

Whether you are training to ride in the Pan Mass Challenge this August or
preparing to support those who do, I want to thank you for your efforts
and remind you just how much the PMC has done for cancer research and care
at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It is the most successful fundraising
event ever conducted on behalf of the Institute and the most successful
athletic fundraising event in the nation. I am most pleased to express the
my appreciation for the PMC and its constituents, and my admiration for
its Founder and Executive Director,Billy Starr and the impact he has made
on the fight against cancer with the PMC.

The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge has always been among the very best
organizations in the country in making sure that donor funds are used
efficiently and as they are intended: to provide direct support to Dana
Farber's efforts to meet its mission of cancer research and innovative,
compassionate care.  In fact, the PMC now gives up to 99 cents of every
rider-raised dollar directly to our Jimmy Fund. This summer, PMC cyclists
will ride to raise $27 million and bring the PMC’s total Jimmy Fund
contribution toward the $200 million mark. We are also proud of the
dynamic and generous sponsors that Billy Starr and the PMC have attracted
to help underwrite the event. The Boston Red Sox Foundation,
Overstock.com, Covidien, MFS Investment Management and New England Cable
News have steadfastly committed to the PMC as it has grown through the
years.

The PMC sets the pace for athletic fundraising events in the United
States, and it has expanded and enhanced the Dana-Farber family and our
work. It has allowed us to make up for cuts in federal grants for
research, to invest in the latest technology, to develop and test new
therapies, and to give our patients and their families a wide range of
services that improve quality of life.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: When the history of how
cancer was cured is written, the PMC will be in chapter one.  Thank you.

Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD

President

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute