Castleton alumni Mark Fleming ’91 and Daniel Murphy ’92 are going the extra mile to raise funds for cancer research, as they participate in the yearly Pan-Mass Challenge, a 190-mile bike ride raising money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund.
The largest sports-related fundraising event in the country, the annual bike-a-thon takes participants across the commonwealth of Massachusetts with 100% of rider-raised dollars going to life-saving cancer research and treatment, a cause that hits close to home for both Mark and Dan.
“Both of us being cancer survivors, it is something we are really passionate about,” said Fleming.
It was in 1997 that Mark first received the devastating news of thyroid cancer, and again in 2006 with word of skin cancer. Dan received his diagnosis of testicular cancer in 2004, taking he and his family by surprise.
Through their cancer fighting experience, successful recoveries, and love of cycling, the two college friends were unexpectedly reunited during a Pan-Mass Challenge. Now, sharing a common goal to help others diagnosed with the life-threatening disease, they have been proudly pedaling together in the race ever since.
“I feel great and cherish every day that I get to spend with my wife Michele and my two daughters Madison and Meaghan,” said Murphy, who credits his health and recovery to the care he received at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Now that their personal cancer fighting battles have been won, the two are looking to give back to those still fighting.
“I can’t think of a better way to give back and try to help others survive, as I have,” said Fleming, who has participated for five years. “I’m living proof.”
Together the two have raised a combined total of over $78,000 for the Jimmy Fund through their annual rides and support from friends and family.
The pair plans to continue riding together in memory of others affected by the disease, while enjoying each other’s company along the way.
“Its great to be a part of something bigger than anything you have ever been a part of,” said Murphy, who recently completed his seventh Pan-Mass Challenge. “I look forward to riding with Mark for many more years.”