Twenty years after his son Jack was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, Norfolk resident Vince Manning is preparing for his 17th Pan-Mass Challenge ride, continuing a fundraising effort that has raised more than $144,000 personally and nearly $500,000 through Team Jack.

This year's ride holds special significance, marking two decades since Jack's cancer diagnosis. Manning said his family's experience at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund inspired him to give back through the annual cycling fundraiser.

"We were so fortunate to have access to the best doctors and staff in the world right at Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund," Manning said. "They saved Jack's life, and the PMC was the perfect vehicle to repay them, as well as help and support others. It's always been about paying it forward."

The Pan-Mass Challenge raises money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber, with 100 percent of rider-raised funds going directly to the organization.

Jack, now 28, is doing well and occasionally rides alongside his father. What keeps Manning returning year after year is the PMC's mission and the impact of the fundraising.

"We experienced it firsthand when Jack was getting treatment," Manning said. "We've seen directly the benefits of their efforts."

He also described the atmosphere surrounding PMC weekend as uniquely inspiring, especially at local segments like Cherry Street in Wrentham and other neighborhoods where residents line the streets, encouraging the riders.

"The infectiousness of PMC weekend cannot be lost on anybody," he said. "I challenge anybody to go cheer somebody on, go to a rest stop, ride it, and not get hooked on it."

Manning said advances in cancer research give him hope, particularly for pediatric cancers such as osteosarcoma.

"The protocols for osteosarcoma had not changed in 30 or 40 years," he said. "Now there's been an increased focus on updating them, all through research. That research comes from the money the Jimmy Fund receives. And half of its budget comes from the PMC."

Manning said cancer remains a difficult diagnosis for any family, but he encourages those facing it to seek support.

"Nobody wants to hear that they have cancer or a loved one has cancer," he said. "Find the strength to take advantage of all the resources available and lean into the help offered through friends, family and the medical team that you're working with. You will need that help."

As he rides across Massachusetts this August, Manning said his thoughts will be with Jack and the many people, including other close relatives, whose lives have been touched by cancer.

"Jack is always at the top of my mind when we ride," he said. "Throughout the ride you think of all the ways you've been touched by cancer and how what you're doing right here in the moment is making a difference."

Asked why he continues to ride, after 17 years, Manning's answer was simple.

"I want to be part of the cure."

Manning's fundraising goal for the 2026 Pan-Mass Challenge is $12,000. To support his efforts, visit his personal donation page at https://profile.pmc.org/pmc/VM0028.