Two Andover residents and cancer survivors will be recognized at Fenway Park on Friday, July 11, as part of a special ceremony ahead of the Boston Red Sox game to honor the impact of the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC).
Lewis Venezia and Ben Kellman, both members of the PMC’s Living Proof community—riders and volunteers who have undergone or are currently undergoing cancer treatment—will join 51 others in a celebratory lap around the warning track at Fenway Park. The on-field event is part of PMC Night, hosted by the Red Sox and Red Sox Foundation, commemorating the foundation’s 23-year partnership as a co-presenting sponsor of the PMC.
Venezia and Kellman, longtime supporters of the PMC and survivors themselves, will be cheered on by Red Sox fans as they help spotlight the PMC’s mission of funding cancer research and treatment through Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since its founding in 1980, the PMC has raised more than $1 billion for Dana-Farber, with 100 percent of rider-raised funds going directly to the institute.
The pre-game ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m. ahead of the 7:10 p.m. first pitch. In addition to honoring the Living Proof community, the event will feature a ceremonial first pitch by 18-year PMC rider Dan Flaherty of Braintree, a national anthem performance by PMC rider Christian Willett, and roles for young cancer patients and survivors as honorary bat kids and “Play Ball” participants.
This year’s PMC ride will take place August 2–3 and is expected to draw over 6,800 cyclists. The event is aiming to raise $76 million in 2025. The PMC remains Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor, accounting for two-thirds of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.
Venezia and Kellman’s participation highlights Andover’s continuing connection to the statewide effort to advance cancer research. Both are available for interviews ahead of Friday’s event.