PMC Goal for 2009: $30M

A little less than 2 weeks ago, the PMC announced that the fundraising goal for this year's efforts is $30 million. That sounds like -- and is -- a lot of money. But it's actually 14% less than last year's results and even less than the last 2 preceding years as well.

"It's not going to be easy," said Billy Starr, PMC Executive Director, "but the PMC has never been about the easy path. People recognize that cancer does not know recession and it is critical to sustain cutting edge research and treatment at Dana-Farber. Regardless of the economy, we are all in this war on cancer together."

Clearly, this last year has been an rough one, economically and fundraisers like the PMC are by no means immune from economic realities. One indicator of this for the PMC is this: for the first time in five years, here in mid-June there are still slots available for the two-day routes -- those with the highest fund-raising commitment level. Those routes have typically filled up within the first 2 weeks in past years.

Regardless, this year's overall goal is set. My personal goal is to raise $5,000, exceeding my $4,200 minium and achieving a 6-year personal best. For those of you who have donated, I can't thank you enough. If you've been thinking about donating but haven't yet, now would be a fine time to do so, by simply clicking here. Your financial support is what makes the cancer treatment and research at Dana-Farber possible.

Thanks for taking the time to follow along with me.

/doug