North Quabbin residents ready for Pan-Mass Challenge

North Quabbin residents are preparing for the annual Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), either as participants or helping those who ride.

For the Bolandrinas of Athol, giving their time and energy to the PMC has been a family commitment for over a decade.

The family has been offering their time to the PMC since 2013. Gretheline Bolandrina, a doctoral-level nursing professional, initially volunteered in the medical tent, supporting riders during the charity ride, but then took on an organizational role, helping to secure supplies and generate signage for the finish line in Provincetown.

“Security, information, food preparation, bike and parking, finish line workers and medical crews all have supply needs” said Gretheline.

The supplies for the PMC are provided by either donation or are purchased by individual crew leaders. As the head of the sign and supplies team, Gretheline has watched the need grow year by year.

“I’ve enjoyed giving back, being with my family,” she said. “My parents were big into giving back to the community and so I’ve carried this over to our family.”

Gretheline’s husband, Joseph Bolandrina, was originally among the volunteers who cheered on cyclists at the Provincetown Monument finish line. A friend of Joseph’s, Joe Grant, who volunteers for the PMC and Bikes for the Philippines, suggested Joseph volunteer for the PMC back in 2013.

“Joe put me in charge of ringing bells and cheering,” said Joseph. “I love enthusiasm and it was all the right reasons to expend energy.”

Gretheline and Joseph’s children – Jessica, 34, Gino, 32, Lilly, 24 and Max, 22 – have volunteered their time and energy to the PMC by cooking for participants, organizing parts of the event, and supporting riders and fellow volunteers.

“I see other families that need help and I see my family that I can teach how to help. If you raise your family to volunteer, they’ll end up volunteering too.” said Joseph with a laugh.

The PMC, founded by Billy Starr in 1980, is a Massachusetts-based bike-athon held annually on the first weekend of August. Each summer, thousands of riders and volunteers from 43 states and 12 countries participate in the PMC. The charity ride has grown from 36 riders and 10 volunteers to more than 6,000 riders and 4,000 volunteers, raising a total of $1.125 billion over the years. Cyclists ride routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles.

The PMC has become Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s single largest contributor, providing 67% of the revenue for the Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber’s fundraising arm.

“We are so grateful for the Bolandrina family’s unwavering commitment. Whether caring for riders in the medical tent, leading volunteer operations, preparing meals, or supporting riders along the route, every member of the family has embraced our mission with compassion, generosity and purpose.” said Justine Darmanian, director of volunteer operations & kids rides for the PMC.

Cancer is an issue close to home for the Bolandrinas. Gretheline has had genetic markers in her biology that indicate she is at higher risk for breast cancer. Through testing, she was able to find that these markers had not been passed down to Jessica or Lilly.

“The science works, and the funding is needed for cancer research.” Gretheline said.

Both Joseph and Gretheline have had friends and family that are cancer victims and survivors. Their mission as a family is to sustain a commitment to advance cancer research and support those impacted by the disease.

“Whenever there is a cause and a need for volunteers, then it’s a great cause to step up for,” Joseph said. “Cancer research has touched so many families, including our own. It’s an area where you just can’t take from, you also have to give back to. And when you do give back, it will lift your heart and make you want to volunteer forever.”

In addition to volunteering for the PMC, the Bolandrinas help with other charities, such as H.O.P.E. Foundation International, which provides medical and dental assistance to low-income regions of the Philippines and BkpINC, which collects second-hand books that are shipped to the Philippines to promote literacy in daycare centers, schools and community centers.

‘One of the most moving experiences’

Phillipston resident Andrew Laughlin is preparing for his third PMC. He said seeing the impact cancer has had on people in his life motivated him to take on the challenge. 

“There’s a lot of people that I know that have been affected by cancer very badly,” he said. 

Three years ago, Laughlin’s wife’s brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and her father was also diagnosed with cancer. His brother-in-law died on Mother’s Day, followed by his father-in-law that July. Laughlin completed his first PMC the following month. Last year, his wife underwent cancer treatment. 

“It just means a lot to me to be able to do something, give back somehow,” he said. 

Laughlin has completed the PMC ‘s full two-day route for each of his first two rides and plans to do so again this year. The nearly 200-mile route will begin in Worcester, a new starting hub replacing Sturbridge, and he will ride from there to Bourne on the first day, before continuing to Provincetown on the second. 

Fundraising is a major part of the event, and Laughlin said reaching his goal has been more difficult this year. 

“I’m only about halfway there as of right now,” he said. “I think things are just awfully expensive for people at this time.” 

Those interested in supporting Laughlin can donate through his PMC rider profile, Rider No. AL-0360. 

Despite the physical and financial challenges, Laughlin said the experience keeps him coming back. 

“It’s absolutely probably one of the most moving experiences I’ve ever had in my life,” he said. “The people that ride it are fantastic. There are people they call ‘Living Proof’ that have made it through different cancers. There are people that have ridden it for 30 years. It’s a very moving experience because everyone’s there for the same thing, and it’s not about us. It’s about the money we’re giving to Dana-Farber.” 

Laughlin said completing the ride has given him perspective. 

“As uncomfortable as it is,” he said. “It’s not as bad as chemo or radiation.” 

To learn more about the Pan-Mass Challenge, visit www.pmc.org/.