When the annual Pan-Mass Challenge bike-a-thon for cancer research begins Saturday, two Berkshire County riders who bonded as soul mates and survivors of the disease will team up.
The event is a major fundraiser for the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Womenâs Cancer Center in Boston. And Fredrick Knight, a first-time rider, and his close friend, Suzanne Merritt, credit the renowned hospital for saving their lives.
During a conversation with The Eagle, they also pointed out that their goal â giving back to Dana-Farber and to their Berkshire supporters â has a direct community impact.
Thatâs because, in 2015, Berkshire Medical Center became an affiliate of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative, meaning that BMCâs standards and practices are validated by one of the nationâs leading cancer care and research institutions, benefiting the hospitalâs patients.
LENOX â At the heart of Berkshire County is Lenox.
From here, one can access the entire region with ease.
But, the question begs, why would you leave town, when everything you want is already here? The town, after all, has been called home by such notable residents such as James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma and Maureen Stapleton, and families like the Carnegies, Astors and Vanderbilts.
Sean and Kristina McGrath of New York City explore the leaf-lined pathways in the forest surrounding The Mount, Edith Whartonâs estate, in Lenox in October. Eagle File Photo
A community institution and supporter, Lee Bank recently asked us to take a closer look at Lenox, for this first installment A Day in the Life of â¦, a bimonthly UpCountry series that highlights what makes Berkshire Countyâs 32 towns such special places to visit, shop, work and live.