On August 2^nd, Senator John Kerry will once again ride with thousands of other dedicated men and women in the Pan-Mass Challenge to raise funds for cancer treatment and research. Senator Kerry's bike route will go 111 miles from Sturbridge to Bourne.

A cancer survivor himself, Senator Kerry will be riding this year for all those with cancer, and especially for Senator Ted Kennedy who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.

You can click here to support the Pan-Mass Challenge.

A letter from Senator Kennedy's wife, Vicki, is posted below: 

This weekend marks another step forward in our united battle against cancer.  Our good friend John Kerry will again be joining other dedicated men and women to ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer treatment and research.  My husband Ted and I are especially touched that John is riding in a special way to honor Ted and his fight against cancer.

The hundreds of miles John and his fellow riders will travel yields not only critical dollars for research, but also a better quality of life for millions of Americans living with cancer.   

This is a cause that is both important and personal to Ted and me.   Our family, like so many families, has known the fear and concern of having a loved one diagnosed with cancer.  Ted himself was diagnosed with malignant glioma just this past May.  Thanks to advancement in medical research, Ted has just successfully completed his first phase of treatment, and his high spirits and fighting form are keeping all of us optimistic for the future.  

But there is still so much work for all Americans that is left to be done.  As you know, Ted has dedicated his career to the cause of quality and accessible health care for the American people.   There are few things as important in keeping America healthy as investing in research and finding a cure for cancer.   Ted helped pass National Cancer Act almost 30 years ago, and earlier this year he began work to modernize that bill so that we continue to lead the world in modern health care advances.   He's eager to return to the Senate to finish that important work.

In the meantime, the Pan-Mass Challenge gives all of us an opportunity to help the fight against this disease. Won't you please help in this cause by donating to the Pan-Mass Challenge? Your money will go toward helping cancer research treatment.

Support the Pan-Mass Challenge.

As long time supporters of the Jimmy Fund, Ted and I know how important events like this are providing critical funding for cancer research and support for cancer patients.

Please join John Kerry, as we have, in supporting the Pan-Mass Challenge and helping the fight for a cure.

Support the Pan-Mass Challenge.

Ted and I thank you for your support as Ted battles this disease.  He's giving it everything he has, and he and I will be pulling for John and so many other riders as they go the extra miles this weekend toward finding a cure for cancer.

Sincerely,

Vicki Kennedy