[img_assist|nid=529|title=U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Hyannis Port) with his son, U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), and wife, Vicki|desc=Getty Image|link=none|align=left|width=402|height=265]

In an email to U.S. Sen. John Kerry's (D-Boston) supporters, Vicki Kennedy, U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy's (D-Hyannis Port) wife, thanked Kerry for dedicating his ride in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge bike-a-thon for cancer this weekend to her husband and called on supporters to donate money to the cause.

"Our good friend John Kerry will again be joining other dedicated men and women to ride in the Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer treatment and research," Kennedy wrote in a message that was sent to Kerry's large email list. "My husband Ted and I are especially touched that John is riding in a special way to honor Ted and his fight against cancer."

The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is a charity bike-a-thon that began in 1980 and is one of the most successful charity events in the country. In 2007, the event raised $33 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Riders may choose from a variety of routes ranging from 47 miles to 190 miles.

[img_assist|nid=30|title=Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston)|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=123|height=180]Kerry, 64, himself a cancer survivor, will be riding 110 miles from Sturbridge to Bourne. The four-term senator is currently facing a primary challenge from Gloucester attorney Ed O-Reilly and a general election challenge from Republican Jeff Beatty.

Sen. Kennedy (D-Hyannis Port) suffered a seizure on May 17 and was subsequently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor and completed the first phase of chemotherapy this week.

Vicki Kennedy also asked supporters to donate to the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, which she called an extension of her husband's life work.

"As you know, Ted has dedicated his career to the cause of quality and accessible health care for the American people," she wrote. "There are few things as important in keeping America healthy as investing in research and finding a cure for cancer. Ted helped pass National Cancer Act almost 30 years ago, and earlier this year he began work to modernize that bill so that we continue to lead the world in modern health care advances.  He's eager to return to the Senate to finish that important work."

"In the meantime," she went on, "the Pan Mass Challenge gives all of us an opportunity to help the fight against this disease."