Press Releases

Azara BKRS Ride to Support Cancer Research for Third Year

Written by Jeff Brandes | Jul 29, 2024 12:00:00 PM

Today I am writing to highlight a very important and meaningful challenge being undertaken by members of Azara’s staff this summer for the third year in a row.  As many of you know, we lost our friend and colleague, Heather Budd to ovarian cancer in November 2021, and we have all looked for ways to honor and remember her in both our professional and personal lives. 

The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is a Massachusetts-based bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. Held annually the first weekend of August, the PMC raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world leader in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research.  Each summer, thousands of riders and volunteers participate in the PMC, all with a common goal: to find a cure for cancer. 100% of all rider-raised funds go directly to cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund.

The team of Azara riders represent various departments throughout the company (Clinical Transformation, Sales, Delivery and Support) and each individual has their own unique reasons for embarking on this mission.  I want to call attention to the commitment and training being put forth by this group. All of us at Azara stand behind them and are supporting their efforts.  Cancer has impacted all our lives and families in some manner, and I am pleased our Azara family can support such a respected organization as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in raising funds for the groundbreaking research they conduct toward both treatments and cures.  For those whose lives were touched by Heather or her work and for those who interact with these members of Azara’s team, I urge you to do what you can to support their efforts in this ride.  

Lastly, a public service announcement: We urge all of you, our clients, partners and friends to “GET YOURSELVES AND YOUR LOVED ONES IN THE NUMERATOR” of cancer screening measures—which is data analytics speak to say don’t put off those mammograms, colonoscopies and pap smears. They might save your life.  

Click here to learn more about the Azara BKRS team or to make a donation.

We're a proud supporter of the Pan-Mass Challenge because it is leading the charge to beat cancer. In fact, last year 100% of rider-raised revenue went directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.

Our team rides for those who are continuing to fight cancer and those we've lost. We want to especially recognize the following people:

  • Heather Budd
  • Paul Goguen
  • Ellen Katterheinrich
  • Bill Neal
  • Connie Neal
  • Eileen Rousseau
  • Diana Trimberger

So, with our teams training efforts and dedication to this cause and all of those in our lives who have been affected by cancer in mind, I humbly ask you to support our team and this important cause at whatever level you can.  Dana Farber’s efforts are making a difference in the lives of cancer patients around the world and I thank all of you for your support.

Jeff