WORCESTER, Mass. – For Clark University Volleyball's Winifred Gakidis, the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) has been a staple in her life since she was a child. " My grandfather, Gromit, (but as most of you know him, Maarten), has been an inspiration to me for as long as I can remember. I was there when he got his 25th year PMC tattoo! Gromit plus a tattoo was something I never thought I'd see! But it made me realize just how big of an impact this ride has had on him."
The Pan Mass Challenge was a two-day bike ride from Worcester to the Provincetown monument with each rider raising at least $6000 that goes towards cancer research at the Dana Farber Institute and the Jimmy Fund. For Gakidis, this was her second year participating in the race, with this year being one to remember. "Actually participating in the ride is a totally different experience than watching from the sidelines. It is extremely moving to be surrounded by thousands of people with all different stories but motivated by the same goal, to find cancers cure.
This year was especially meaningful because it marked the first time the ride started in Worcester, where I go to college! Even more wild is that the first day of the ride ends in my hometown, Buzzards Bay. I had the unique experience of biking 100 miles from where I go to school to where I live!
Crossing the finish line in my hometown made me realize how far I have come, not only over those 100 miles, but throughout my time at Clark as I prepare to enter my senior year. After years of cheering on the side of the road as a kid, I became one of the riders, contributing to something much bigger than myself. It's an experience I'll never forget, and one that reminds me why every mile and every dollar raised matters."
To support Winifred Gakidis and learn more about her story, check out the Donation Link attached to this story. Donations will remain open until October 1st. "I realize there are many commitments that you all may have to other fundraising efforts, and all of our pockets are a little tighter these days. I also realize that this is my goal, not yours. I have made this commitment, but I wouldn't have made it if I didn't think I had the support of my friends, acquaintances, and family. I know you are out there, so get on the website, click, and commit to any dollar amount, and I mean any! Even $2 will help me get closer to accomplishing this goal."
