April 9, 2008
Medfield neighbor to ride PMC in Ninos' memory
August 2 & 3
Meg Ninos was the neighborhood favorite. Her bubbly personality and warm smile lit up many backyard barbeques, play dates and block parties in the Medfield neighborhood where she lived. As a hardworking, single mom raising a seven-year-old daughter, Ninos grew her support system through her neighbors and friends, adopting them as family.
On February 6, 2008, neighbors were shocked and grief stricken to learn that Ninos was tragically murdered, just doorsteps away from their own homes. Neighbors remember her as a devoted mom, an enthusiastic, supportive friend and neighbor, and a dedicated rider in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC).
"At every neighborhood gathering, she could be found talking about the PMC," says Andy Spencer, former neighbor and friend. "She would be soliciting donations and sponsors and inspiring people to ride themselves. She was such a believer in the PMC mission, and we would always talk about her training and fundraising goal for the year."
In 1993, Ninos became an advocate for the charity bike ride that raises money for cancer research and treatment after losing her father-in-law and other close friends and family to the disease. After declining Nino's many attempts to solicit him as a PMC cyclist, Spencer says he has finally run out of excuses.
"I always had a scheduling conflict or something else in the way where I couldn't participate," says Spencer. "I've decided to put aside my selfish thoughts and reach out to help raise money in memory of Meg. I want to see her commitment to raising money for cancer research continue."
On Aug. 2 and 3, Spencer will ride in the two-day, 190-mile bike-a-thon that raises money for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. After registering for the ride, Spencer learned that the route runs right near his neighborhood and Ninos' former residence.
"I plan to make a detour, ride by her house and wave hello," says Spencer. Neighbors and friends who have learned about Spencer's ride plan to be waiting in front of her former home with signs, love and support, to cheer him on. "She was always trying to get the neighbors together for events and causes, and she is still doing it now," says Spencer.
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge
The PMC is a pioneer in the athletic fundraising event industry and today raises more money for charity than any other in the country. On August 2 and 3, 2008, 5,500 cyclists will travel seven routes, logging between 47 and 190 miles over one or two days, through 46 Massachusetts cities and towns. Their collective goal is to raise $34 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Since its 1980 inception, the PMC has raised more than $204 million for the cause. For more information about the PMC, call 800-WE-CYCLE or visit www.pmc.org.
Contact
Katie Stinchon
Teak Media
(617) 269-7171
katie@teakmedia.com
