Nolun Pina completes Pan-Mass Challenge benefiting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Nolun Pina, a finance major and member of the men’s soccer team, is a dedicated student-athlete who recently balanced his academics with biking hundreds of miles across Massachusetts in honor of those who have battled cancer.
When he reached the end of his high school career, Pina knew he wanted to continue playing soccer in college. After hearing from the men’s soccer team, Pina looked into Salve Regina and knew it was the right fit for him.
He loves having the opportunity to play soccer with a support system of teammates and coaches. “I’m proud to be a member of the team, because the players hold themselves to a high standard – not only on the field, but on campus and in the classroom as well,” he said. “It’s also great to have such overwhelming support from family members and students.”
Off the soccer field, Pina is a member of the Entrepreneurship Club and a student employee in the Office of Information Technology. He appreciates the support of Paul McKillop, senior lecturer in the Department of Business and Economics.
“Professor McKillop is helpful in my accounting-based courses and goes to all of our soccer games,” Pina said. “It is nice that I have him in the classroom and on the field.”
Biking to raise money for cancer
In the summer of 2022, Pina completed the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Pina and his father began biking three years ago when their family friend, 10-year-old Linley Menard, passed away from a cancerous brain tumor. In her honor, Pina started biking from his house to her house, which is around a 50-mile route.
This influenced him to sign up for the PMC. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PMC Reimagined Ride was created in 2021, allowing Pina to create his own biking route. That summer, he rode 70 miles in Menard’s hometown.
Pina kept his promise to honor Menard and signed up for the full PMC in 2022. From Sturbridge to Provincetown, he rode 200 miles in two days. Along the journey, there were water stop services, roadside assistance and lodging accommodations.
“It was a surreal experience,” he said. “There were many times during the weekend where I did not think I would be able to finish.” Rated among the top three hottest weekends of the Pan-Mass Challenge, the weather made the ride difficult. However, Pina kept Menard in mind the whole time and finished the bike ride on the second day.
In total, Pina raised $6,000 for the Dana-Farber. Friends, family and support from his hometown helped him reach his fundraising goal. As Pina looks towards the future, he wants to continue raising awareness for cancer and support charities like Dana-Farber.
Article written by student writer Morgan Rizzo ’23
