LAKEVILLE, Mass. - Thousands of bikers from across the world are in Massachusetts this weekend to help raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in this year's Pan-Mass Challenge — an 84-mile stretch from Wellesley to Bourne.

Each of them has a unique motivation for taking on the daunting distance. 

For Chris Mooney, his daughter Willa keeps him pedaling, as well as the 4,000 other children diagnosed with brain and spinal cord tumors each year. 

"We're riding to help support kids with cancer, and specifically brain cancer," Mooney said. "Willa is a Pedal Partner, and we're raising funds that go directly to the lab that is trying to find a cure for the type of tumor Willa has."

Mooney met with Willa and the rest of his family 57 miles into his journey at the Lakeville water stop where Pedal Partners gather. Pedal Partners are pediatric patients who are paired with PMC riders. 

The mile leading up to the location is filled with their photos, and many, like Willa, wait there to greet their rider. 

"It's amazing how many people will support you and others having to go through this challenging thing in their life and raise awareness," Willa said. "It's awesome."

Willa was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2018 at six years old. While the care she's received at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has her doing well, her family said her tumor hasn't gone away. But with people like her father showing up at the Pan-Mass Challenge starting line every year, the race for a cure goes on with momentum at its back. 

"There are so many people here that are riding for a loved one, family or friend who is suffering," Mooney said. "The sweet part is just seeing how many people are doing this and able to raise funds directly to have those needed treatments."

PMC organizers set out with a goal this year of raising $75 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As of July, PMC has raised more than $1 billion for cancer research and treatment since it began.