Over August 1st and 2nd, NRPD Officer Jason Connolly and his wife Renee Jolliffe Connolly cycled in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) to raise money for cancer research. The PMC is an annual bike-a-thon that today raises more money for charity than any other single athletic event in the country. Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised $455 million dollars for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Faber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The event donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause. The rides routes range from 132 to 190 miles and runs through 46 towns across Massachusetts with over five thousand riders who participated in this year’s event.
The Connolly family was motivated to participate in the 2015 PMC and cycled to honor their son Patrick who at the age of five was diagnosed with cancer. Through the quality care that Patrick received during his years of treatment, Patrick is now cancer free and considered a survivor. Jay and Renee recalled how much the event meant to Patrick several years ago when a rider in the event from “Team Stuie” cycled for Patrick during his time in treatment. Jay and Renee felt that participating in this years’ PMC would be the perfect way to honor Patrick and to help others who have to battle the disease.
Through their efforts, the Connolly’s were able to raise almost 10,000 dollars while fundraising for the event. After the ride Jay commented on how well the event was run and the overwhelming atmosphere of enthusiasm shared by its participants who were united for the cause. Jay said that the training was definitely tough, as was the ride in two days of 90 degree weather but the rider services provided by the PMC organizers and the support they received along the ride’s route from roadside supporters made the event a welcome challenge. Jay also wanted to thank all of those who have supported Patrick and his family through the years and during their fundraising for this event.
On Sunday after successfully completing their 178 mile planned route, waiting for Jay and Renee was their daughter Madison and son Patrick. Congratulations to Officer Jason Connolly and Renee for all of your hard work and effort for such a meaningful cause!