Jack Lampron age 5 of Merrymeeting Drive in Merrimack NH has dealt with a lot of challenges in his life so far, but that won’t stop him from joining in the upcoming Third Annual Greater Manchester NH Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) Kids Ride on Sunday June 2, 9am – noon at St. Anselm College.

When he was 18 months old, Jack was diagnosed with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome and his family was told that he would likely never walk or talk, and there was no known treatment or cure. But with the help of doctors and therapists, teachers and aides, family and friends, he has learned many words and he now chases his friends around in a power chair and is getting closer to learning to walk. His parents report, “Jack defies the odds every day.”

Two years ago in May, Jack received an adaptive bike made especially for him by Freedom Concepts of Canada. Almost the first thing three-year old Jack did on his new bike was join in the First Annual Greater Manchester NH PMC Kids Ride. This year will be Jack’s third year as a rider. “In the summer Jack’s favorite thing to do is ride his bike, which is why the PMC Kids Ride has been so great. He is able to participate in something just like every other kid,” said his mother Katie. “We started the ride to give back to Dana-Farber who provided life saving support to both of my brothers in law and a good friend, and we will continue to support this foundation until there is a cure.” In his three years of riding, Jack has raised more than $3,800 for the PMC Kids Rides.

PMC Kids Rides are part of the Pan Mass Challenge, which has the goal of raising $56 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber in Boston. The Greater Manchester PMC Ride at St. Anselm College in Goffstown is one of over thirty PMC Kids Rides in the Northeast, and is the only PMC Kids Ride in the state of New Hampshire. It is open to kids aged 3-13, and older teens and family can sign up to volunteer. In the past two years, participants and sponsors have really done their share and raised over $75,000.

Jack and his family will tell you what a wonderful family event this is. In addition to the fun of bike riding for a good cause, the morning includes music, photo booth, bike decorating, face painting, lots of food, games, raffles, and much more.

This year’s Kids Ride will again honor the memory of Emma Bechert, a Bedford resident, who lived her fourteen years of life fully with the help of Dana-Farber while battling brain cancer. Emma was a PMC Kids rider.

To register for the event, visit: www.kids.pmc.org/greatermanchesternh

Registration fee: $20 until May 14, after May 14 – $25 right up to the day of the ride. Riders are asked to raise a minimum of $30 by September 1. All registrants receive a ‘swag bag’ containing a PMC tee shirt, water bottle, valuable coupons and more. Parents can also register to volunteer at the event.

Please visit our Facebook page: Greater Manchester NH PMC Kids Ride for pictures and more details. Many Kids. Many Bikes. One Mission: Cure Cancer

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