FRANKLIN, Mass. — The Franklin PMC Kids Ride reached a major milestone this year, celebrating its 20th anniversary while continuing its mission of raising money for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Held Sunday under sunny skies, the event brought together approximately 180 young riders from Franklin and surrounding communities, raising more than $42,000 so far, with donations continuing to be accepted through September.
For longtime coordinator Nancy Brogan, who has been involved with the ride since 2008, the anniversary was a reminder of how much the event has grown over the past two decades.
“It absolutely warms my heart every year to see all these kids and bright faces of all ages,” Brogan said during an interview on The Zone on MyFM 101.3. “We have riders that love it so much, they come back every single year.”
The ride, which began in 2007, has become the longest-running PMC Kids Ride in New England. Over the past 20 years, the Franklin event has raised more than $758,000 for Dana-Farber, helping support groundbreaking cancer research and patient care.
Despite a temporary slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, participation has rebounded strongly in recent years.
“This year we had 180 riders and so far we’re at about $42,000 raised for Dana-Farber,” Brogan said.
One of the most emotional moments of this year’s event came during special presentations celebrating the ride’s 20th anniversary. Families shared stories highlighting the direct impact of the funds raised by participants.
Among those recognized was four-year-old leukemia patient Tessa Garwood, this year’s featured Pedal Partner. Tessa attended the ride with her team, “Tessa Tough,” which included her brothers and friends. Her mother spoke to participants about Tessa’s journey while the young rider participated in the event’s Tikes and Trikes division.
Brogan said the stories helped many of the younger participants better understand the purpose behind the ride.
“It kind of clicked why they were there and why they were doing this and why it is so important to raise money,” she said.
The event’s message that children are never too young to make a difference continues to resonate throughout the community. Riders raise funds through a variety of creative efforts, including lemonade stands, bracelet sales, dog walking, and neighborhood fundraising campaigns.
Brogan also highlighted the efforts of local educators who have helped expand participation. Franklin teacher Jen Lyons and Norfolk teacher Pat Brogan have encouraged their students to get involved, with their teams collectively raising nearly $10,000 this year.
“I think the kids really do get it,” Brogan said. “If they didn’t get it when they signed up, they get it after they come to the ride and listen to the stories.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope to continue growing participation and fundraising efforts while inspiring the next generation of riders. Brogan pointed to the event’s youngest participants as a sign of a bright future.
“There were 25 little riders that were still on scooters or training wheels,” she said. “That’s our next generation. We want them to love it, we want them to come back every year, and just keep spreading the word.”
Organizers are also aiming to reach a new fundraising milestone of $50,000 in a future ride.
“The more awareness we get, the more involvement we get, the more community support we get, will get us to that milestone,” Brogan said.
Those interested in learning more about the Franklin PMC Kids Ride, making a donation, or getting involved in future events can visit the Franklin PMC Kids Ride website. Donations for this year’s ride will continue to be accepted through Sept. 1.
As the Franklin PMC Kids Ride enters its third decade, organizers hope its legacy of community involvement, generosity, and hope will continue to inspire young riders for years to come.
