FORT MYERS — The Pan-Florida Challenge is on a mission to prevent and fight cancer, starting in childhood. On March 26 and 27, the organization hosted the 2022 Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride, which had 200 participants this year, an increase of 47 percent, with riders coming from across the U.S. and Canada. Proceeds from the annual ride and associated fundraising go directly to supporting Pan-Florida Challenge’s mission to fund cancer prevention research and education programs while providing cancer-fighting food to undernourished children across the state of Florida.

“We are so grateful to our riders, board members, sponsors and everyone who has helped support our mission by donating, volunteering or riding to make this possible,” Jeri Goetz, Executive Director at Pan-Florida Challenge, said. “What a wonderful day spent riding in the beautiful Florida surroundings with people who share our mission of cancer prevention.”

The 2022 Pan-Florida Challenge was held on March 26 and 27, with new riders making up 75% of participants supporting the mission. On Saturday, March 26 the 30-mile, 62-mile, 100-mile, and 200-mile cyclists from Fort Myers started their rides. The 30-mile and 62-mile riders completed a loop and finish where they started. The 100-mile and 200-mile riders finished at The Pavilion on Little Lake Jackson in Sebring. The 100-mile and 200-mile riders leaving from Tampa also began on Saturday. All 100-mile riders from Fort Myers and Tampa were bussed back to their original start line. Riders were treated to an arrival meal, entertainment, and a finishers medal.

Planning for the 2023 event has begun. The ride offers cyclists of all skill levels an exciting opportunity to support cancer research and prevention. All funds raised by riders will go directly to supporting cancer prevention research and providing underprivileged children with nutritious cancer-fighting food. Malnutrition has been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer later in life, and Pan-Florida Challenge is working to provide children with the food needed to set up the foundation for a healthy future. In addition, Pan-Florida Challenge partners with organizations, such as Moffitt Cancer Center, to fund cancer prevention research and support for cancer patients of all ages and their families.

To learn more about Pan-Florida Challenge’s upcoming events, including the 2023 Cancer Ride, please visit panfloridachallenge.org.

About Pan-Florida Challenge
Pan-Florida Challenge (PFC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to fund cancer prevention research and education, provide financial support for cancer patients, and distribute cancer-fighting food to undernourished children throughout Florida. Founded in 2014, PFC partners with elementary schools throughout the state to distribute weekend backpack meals, also known as PFC Power Packs and Family Weekend Backpack Meals. These meals contain nutritious food items that meet or exceed the USDA’s dietary recommendation for elementary school-aged children. To date, PFC has provided more than 7 million meals to hungry children – all with the help of annual fundraising events, grants, sponsorships, and benefactors. For more information, please visit panfloridachallenge.org.