Those who know resident Richard Aronheim know he is often the first to lend a hand to a neighbor, friend or family at a moment's notice.

Over the past years, Richard has volunteered his time and energy to create donation letter writing campaigns, phone campaigns and coordinate dinners to gather support and inspiration for causes that are near and dear to people in and around his life.

His passion for helping others is well known and he is a role model on how one person can inspire others to make a difference in this world.

How often do we hear the quote, "If you have your health, you have everything"?

The quote is one that Richard Aronheim often reflects upon and inspires his connection to the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, an annual bike-a-thon through Massachusetts that raises money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass.

"Since last August, three individuals in my family are suffering from and fighting their own battle with cancer," Richard told Voices. "This bike-a-thon is a way for me to help keep fighting this disease and in my way keep the fight going for research."

Richard's daughter, Amy Fradkin, has participated in the Pan Massachusetts Challenge for the past six-years.

This year, the ever-loving and ever-competitive father and daughter team of Richard Aronheim and Amy Fradkin have challenged each other to surpass the $7,000 fund-raising goal for the upcoming bike-a-thon.

Residents can read Amy's 2009 riding blog as she heads toward her $7,000 goal by accessing the PMC.org website and clicking to the profiles link.

The Pan Massachusetts Challenge, founded in 1980, has raised nearly $240 million for cancer research and treatment. In 2008, the PMC raised more than $36 million. It is the largest sports fundraiser in the country.

The mission statement for the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge notes: "Since it's founding in 1980, the PMC has successfully melded support from committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors and individual contributors. All are essential to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing its annual gift. Our hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers."

On August 1 and 2, the 2009 Pan Mass Challenge 200-mile bike ride across Massachusetts will continue its 30th fundraising mission.

Cyclists choose from seven routes of varying levels and mileage. Cyclists can experience a 190-mile Sturbridge to Providence route, a 180-mile Wellesley route, a 163-mile Wellesley-Bourne-Provincetown route, a 110-mile Sturbridge-Bourne route, and a 47-mile Wellesley route and a children's course.

"I realize that times are tough, any donation will make a difference," Richard explained to Voices.

Richard's grandson, Alec Fradkin, at age 9 is a Kid Team Captain and has raised close to $500 for the upcoming Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride.

"My parents taught us that we each could make a difference and this was a constant in our childhood home and upbringing," Amy Fradkin told Voices. "They encouraged us. We learned to get involved at a young age and go for it."

Six years ago Amy Fradkin was in a spinning class at the Jewish Community Center in her hometown of Needham, Mass.

A fellow member, Coleman Levy, saw her spinning and asked her to join the Pan Mass Challenge in honor of his son, Perry, who passed from cancer in 2001 at the age of 31.

Amy was so moved, she immediately said yes.

"I remember leaving the gym and just getting started. Every time I got nervous to ask for a donation or help with Team Perry, as I'm more of a behind-the scenes-type person, I just thought of the Levy family," Amy said.

Amy is part of Team Perry which has more than 60 riders. The team has raised more than "$450,000 and pushed the trust over the $3,000,000 mark."

Originally this year, Amy thought of taking a break and participating as a virtual rider. That goal changed when she received an anonymous donation in the amount of $4,200 in her mailbox.

The note attached asked Amy to ride this year in honor of the donor's loved one who passed away from colon cancer.

Amy knew she would be riding again. She set her donation letters into motion and started training.

"This keeps you moving every day and keeps you in shape mentally," Amy explained about her daily training mission.

"Many times I have cried during much of the bike-a-thon course. When you see a group of bagpipe players playing and cheering you on, experiencing the unique course layout and the supportive crowd, it's overwhelming and inspiring," Amy said.

"To see our children Marney, Jeffrey and Amy grow up, my wife and I celebrating each wedding anniversary, my relationships with my brothers, becoming a father-in-law and a grandfather, balancing life and work, being grateful for every day and helping others in my own small way, makes me get up every single day," Richard told Voices.

Donations, in the name of the Pan Massachusetts Challenge or the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute, may be sent to Richard Aronheim, 55 Transylvania Road, Woodbury 06798.