Pan-Mass Challenge Heroes #20: Gary Lombardo

This is an ongoing series profiling some of the people I believe to be the real heroes of the Pan-Mass Challenge: the sponsors who donate their money to fund cancer research.

I have just $150 left to raise as I write this I have reached my minimum fundraising goal (with just 8 days left to go!), but I can’t get there without but there is no reason we can’t have more help from more people like these Heroes. Please considering joining them by donating any amount to http://pmc.org/DH0159.

Gary Lombardo is a constant presence in the online social media community, and has a keen interest in personal training and sports – his coaching website is: www.ascendsportsconditioning.com , which includes
Ascending Higher, his multisport blog. He also blogs about social media at: www.garylombardo.com

More from Gary:

- Why did you sponsor me in the Pan-Mass Challenge?

I sponsored the Pan-Mass Challenge because I am an avid cyclist and coach and love to see people embrace the sport for the purposes of their own well-being the well-being of others. It’s a huge challenge to ride the distances of the PMC and nothing is more inspirational to me than to see people achieve their goals & help impact the lives of others in the process.

- How did you first hear about the Pan-Mass Challenge?

I’ve had friends and family who have ridden the PMC over the years, which is how I have heard of it. It’s also has gained a lot of momentum over the years– I can’t seem to go for a ride on my bike without seeing another rider with a PMC jersey– it has great reach!

- Are you giving in the name or memory of someone you know who has had cancer ?

Many members of my family and several friends have died of cancer over the years. I am giving in memory of all of them.

- Name one interesting fact or story that makes you unique and interesting

Hmmmmmm…..I am bit of an adventure-type and have done some interesting things over the years. The few weeks I spent in Nepal are among the best. I had the chance to go to Base Camp 1 of Mount Everest and explore some towering local peaks, but most importantly get to know the local people and culture. Nothing tops sharing a yak milk tea with a newly made Sherpa friend among the towering peaks of the Himalaya. Everyone should try it at least once in their lifetime.

Gary, thank you for sponsoring me. And thank you, everyone who has supported the Pan-Mass Challenge in any way. Please consider joining Gary Lombardo to sponsor my ride and fight cancer: http://pmc.org/DH0159. Please feel free to pass the link to others as well.