Why Does He Ride? Former Bay Cityan Todd Majeski Overcame Cancer, Now Helps

Long-Distance Bicycle Rider Aims to Raise $5,000 in Pan-Mass Challenge

August 8, 2010
By: Dave Rogers

Native Bay Cityan Todd Majeski just finished a 200 mile bicycle ride, aiming to raise $5,000 to fight cancer.

Why does he ride?

"In October 2007 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer," he said. "Within a few days of the diagnosis, I had surgery and radiation therapy. I feel lucky to have gone through the process with very little side effects. I will continue to ride and raise money for those who can't."

Majeski, 50, is a graduate of John Glenn High School and Lawrence Institute of Technology, Southfield. He is the owner of 3DVision Technologies, a computer-aided drafting software firm with branches in Cincinnati and several other Midwest cities.

He has just completed a 2-two-day 200 mile ride in the Boston area as part of the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). This is his sixth ride, the 2008 ride having netted $6,022.

PMC has grown considerably and consistently from its modest beginnings into an event that draws more than 5,000 cyclists, who hail from 36 states and eight countries.

Now in its 30th year, the PMC raised over $30 million from the efforts put forth by PMC cyclists on August 1 and 2, 2009. To date, the PMC has raised $270 million that has been used to improve the lives of those suffering with cancer. It is the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, bringing in nearly 50 percent of its annual revenue.

The now nationally recognized PMC is a tribute to founder Billy Starr's unending desire to achieve, make a difference, and raise money for cancer research.

While there are today many athletic fundraising events, the PMC is perhaps the most successful in terms of money raised and the percentage of funds contributed directly to charity. In 2009, 100 percent of all funds raised by PMC riders went directly to the Jimmy Fund. Not one cent of each dollar raised through riders' sweat and determination was used for administrative and organizational expenses.

The PMC is considered among the leanest of fundraising organizations in the nation today.

Starr's commitment to running the efficient non-profit is testament to his savvy business skills, and his organizational fortitude.

"The success of this event is due to the fact that all PMC riders are encouraged - actually, required - to take their fundraising commitment as seriously as their physical commitment to ride the event," Starr says.

This summer, each of the 5,000-plus cyclists will commit to raising between $500 and $4,200 for the privilege of being a member of the PMC team.

The majority of PMC participants, however, exceeds the minimum contribution and raises more than twice the amount required.

Majeski summarizes: "Cancer has affected many people close to me, but not as much as it has last year. One of my employees passed away from lung cancer. He was a big contributor to the company and a personal friend. He is missed by all of us at 3DVision and especially me."

"There WILL be a cure for cancer, and I will be able to say that I made a difference in the world."

People interested in donating to help Todd achieve his goal by donating may log onto http://www.pmc.org/profile/TM0121.

For those who wish to contact Mr. Majeski directly, his phone number is 513-745-2700, ext 101. ###