For the seventh time, northern Jefferson County resident Wil Carroll will cycle 80 miles in the annual Pan Mass Challenge to raise money to fight cancer August 4 and 5. It will also be the 23rd time he has fundraised for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the PMC.
“I haven’t raised a particularly round number in those seven years,” says Carroll, thanking his supporters and contributors for the $39,604 donated.
This year his goal is $10,396 to bring his pledge levels to an even $50,000. By July 29 just over half of that had been donated.
Supporting the PMC has been a long-standing family tradition dating back to 1992.
“We first got involved when my mother’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer,” explained Carroll, who grew up in Massachusetts. “My father started riding with my uncle. I eventually interned at the PMC and then worked there full time as part of their year round staff in 2007-2009.”
He went on to say, “My mother and father both rode in the event for years. My sister and wife both have volunteered for years and now my two oldest boys (12-year-old William and 11-year-old Andrew) will be volunteering this year.”
Carroll participates in a unique way, running an overnight location for riders on Saturday night and then riding the 80 miles the following day.
When he and his young family moved to Montana eight years ago, Carroll committed to continue to be involved in the worthy organization, and that commitment has expanded.
“Last year marked the first time the Carroll family had three generations at the PMC,” he said.
“I had always hoped it could have ended with my generation,” said Carroll, expressing hope for a cure to adult and pediatric cancer, “but now the hope turns to ending it with my son’s.”
Over 6300 riders of all levels of cycling and fundraising ability are expected to participate on a dozen different courses in Massachusetts this year. For years the Carroll family has joined in keeping riders hydrated at an overnight stop along the way.
“Riders include everyone from seasoned triathletes to weekend warriors and range in age from 13 to 85. Many ride to honor a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for cancer, and 914 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients themselves,” said a press release issued by the event organizers.
Carroll is one of only two Montanans signed up to ride this year. The other is Lucy Smith of Kalispell.
To contribute in support of Carroll’s ride, visit www2.pmc.org/profile/WC0020.
“Of course, cold hard cash and checks are also accepted,” said Carroll. Checks can be made out to Pan Mass Challenge and mailed to Wil Carroll at 2 Finn Mountain Road, Montana City, MT 59634.
