In the early morning hours of Aug. 4th, just as the sun was rising, thousands of cyclists crossed over the Bourne Bridge as participants in the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC), a premier fundraising event dedicated to eradicating cancer. Among them, two Warwick residents, Caroline Taylor and Claire Fracassa, pedaled in memory of Alison Fracassa, who lost her battle with colon cancer over three years ago.
“During my ride in the PMC I thought about how fast anything could happen to you, or someone close to you with no warning,’ says Claire when asked about giving advice to her younger self. This ride was a special bonding moment between Claire and her mother, Alison, who passed away due to colon cancer.
Claire now rides not only to inspire others and alongside survivors, but she rides in honor of her mother and every other warrior who has lost their battle to cancer.
Both girls’ participation in the PMC is more than just a personal challenge; it’s a beacon of hope for the cancer community. One hundred percent of raised funds from the event support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund, renowned for its groundbreaking research and patient care. Last year alone, the PMC raised over $70 million, with contributions directly benefiting cancer research and treatment advancements. Claire and Caroline, cousins and key members of Team We Will, founded by Alison Fracassa, have fundraised over $600,000 in just 8 years.
These Warwick residents’ dedication goes beyond the ride. Claire, a sophomore at La Salle Academy who participates in basketball and track, has created a social media account that shares Team We Will’s journey and events to inspire others. Caroline, a senior at Fairfield University, has traded in her tennis racket for spin shoes while she trains through the winter as the lead spin instructor for Fairfield. She uses this platform to encourage her peers to join Team We Will.
They both organize community events and fundraisers throughout the year. The Pan Mass Challenge is not just a test of physical endurance but a powerful demonstration of community spirit and collective action. Riders like Claire Fracassa and Caroline Taylor embody the heart and soul of this event, showing that each pedal stroke contributes to a greater cause.
As the ride came to a close at the finish line in Provincetown, MA, one thing became abundantly clear to the girls: the fight against cancer is a ride worth taking, and it’s riders like those on Team We Will and all the other participants, who make that journey meaningful.
Here is a Q&A with the two riders:

BT: Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?
CT: I would make sure to tell my younger self to find something you have a strong passion for, something that sets a fire inside of you and use this passion to create and do something that is good and makes you feel good! Another thing that I am still working on is trying not to worry about what the future holds- every moment is a gift, so enjoy the moment you are in now!
CF: Looking back I would tell my younger self to be grateful for everything I have and to enjoy every present moment while it is here. During my ride in the PMC, I thought about how fast your life can change. Anything could happen to you, or someone close to you with no warning at all.

BT: Beyond your achievement in sports, what inspires you to give back to your community as well as encouraging others to do the same?
CT:Giving back to the community and encouraging others to do the same is an achievement in itself. Specifically during the PMC, you can see the impact of riding first hand and feel the change you are making when you hear the stories of cancer survivors and those who are still fighting during the ride. The specific moment when I realized the significance of my PMC ride was pedaling uphill while a young boy was holding a sign “I turned 11 today because of you!”
CF: Growing up many people have helped me and I am extremely grateful for all of them. Seeing all these people support, help , and ride with me has inspired me to help others to give them the same support and opportunities I received. Throughout the PMC I witnessed many people who would have done anything to be able to bike and partake in what I did but were not able to, seeing this really opened my eyes and made me think about what I could do to help them, which is to fundraise in hopes to find a cure.

BT: You, as an athlete, continue to be a positive influence. What are some examples of the contributions made or causes that you support to make a difference in the world?
CT: The positive influence of being a rider and athlete in the PMC is to encourage others to get involved either through riding and/or joining a team, volunteering, or just supporting through donating. I love how the PMC isn’t just a two day ride. This weekend event is a positive force that continues throughout the year. Each year before the ride- the planning of fundraising events and recruiting riders begins. Attending other teams’ events throughout the year is important to support and connect people through their PMC stories and experiences.
CF: Overall, I would say the Pan Mass Challenge is such an inspiring event and encourages me to keep going and to do more. Although I partook in the riding and raising money portion in the PMC, there are so many ways to contribute to the event, whether it is volunteering, donating, or cheering riders on. Being a part of this incredible community gives me hope that someday there will be a world without cancer.