Gordon Sewall reports that Team Elizabeth’s fundraising for this year’s Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) has exceeded all expectations. “Rob, Gerry and I are humbled and grateful at the outpouring of support for our team’s inaugural ride. We joined 5,500 fellow cyclists on the first weekend in August to raise funds for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in Boston. Every dollar our team has raised will go directly to the Elizabeth Alling Sewall Endowment for Breast Cancer Research at DFCI.”

Together, riders have raised over $35 million through the 2013 PMC and still hope to reach the goal of $38 million by October 1st, when fundraising closes for this year’s ride.

In a touching surprise, Dr. Eric Winer, Chief of the Division of Women’s Cancers and Director of Breast Oncology at DFCI as well as Elizabeth’s lead physician, is directing $15,000 of the money he raised through his PMC ride this year to go to Elizabeth’s Endowment Fund. Dr. Winer says, “Gordon and his sons, Scott and Duncan, are amazing people, as was Elizabeth. The Sewall family’s efforts to support breast cancer research and treatment through Elizabeth’s Endowment Fund honors her memory in a meaningful and tangible way that seems so appropriate to Elizabeth’s vibrant legacy.”

Adding Dr. Winer’s funds to the $36,000 raised by Team Elizabeth, the total contribution to Elizabeth’s Endowment through the 2013 PMC now stands at $51,000. The team’s success speaks volumes about the high regard and deep affection so many felt for Elizabeth and brings her memorial endowment fund to over $200,000, an incredible achievement in just one year’s time.

Elizabeth especially wanted to support the development of new therapies targeted at lobular breast cancer which was a surprise diagnosis for her in 2011 after having been free from ductal cancer for nine years. While lobular cancer accounts for only 10% of all breast cancers, it is particularly difficult to diagnose early and is particularly aggressive in later stages. Her endowment will support Dr. Winer and his team in developing better ways to detect and treat this form of breast cancer.

For those who would still like to contribute or who would like to make an additional donation, contributions are being accepted until October 1st.

Click here to make $25 donation

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Your donation is tax deductible and 100% will go to the Elizabeth Alling Sewall Endowment for Breast Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC and mail it to: Gordon Sewall, 57 Wheelwright Farm, Cohasset, MA 02025.

Team Elizabeth extends heartfelt thanks to all who have supported their ride this year.