A volunteer spotlight in honor of National Volunteer Week
For the last 10 years, Henry Gibbs, 49, of Zephyrhills, Fla., has started his summer vacation by volunteering as a massage therapist for the Pan-Mass Challenge. Usually stationed at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, he can be seen with fellow therapists rubbing the kinks out of sore bodies of cyclists at the conclusion of day one of PMC weekend.
In 2003, Henry found the PMC when looking for volunteer opportunities to practice his massage therapy skills. As a student at Myotone Institute, located in Wakefield, Mass., he had often heard about the thousands of people who cycle through 46 towns across Massachusetts to raise money for cancer research and treatment. He was excited to use his hands for a good cause.
“Volunteering for the PMC for the first time was truly an eye opening experience that helped to give me a new perspective on life,” says Henry. “The drive PMC cyclists have to plow through the miles in honor of loved ones affected by cancer is empowering. I have the privilege of working on so many different people who commit to ride in honor of their parents, children, friends, current cancer patients and cancer survivors.”
The camaraderie among all of the PMC volunteers is another reason Henry continues to return. Rain or shine, volunteers, young and old, give 100 percent of themselves to assist cyclists from the sidelines. Each year, Henry volunteers alongside more than 50 other massage therapists who have become friends and share a passion for the cause.
“I always look forward to seeing new and familiar faces during PMC weekend,” says Henry. “Volunteering gives me a sense of community among people who want to make a difference in the fight against cancer. It is amazing to be a part of this event.”
On Aug. 2 and 3, Henry will join more than 5,500 cyclists who will ride in the 35th annual event to raise $40 million to support adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. He will ride for the second time as a member of Team FORZA-G, a group of 50 PMC cyclists, led by Henry’s longtime friend and team captain, Matt Dillis, 49, of Hingham, Mass., a 13-time PMC cyclist. Henry hopes to become a PMC Heavy Hitter, a rider who raises $6,900 or more. The team hopes to raise $300,000.
“When I ride, I only have miles to measure,” says Henry. “Those battling cancer go step by step, day by day, overcoming challenges bigger than we can ever imagine. Their courage is what fuels my determination to volunteer and ride.”
Henry Gibbs, 49, of Zephyrhills, Fla., a 10-time PMC volunteer and two-time PMC cyclist.
Post courtesy of Allison at Teak Media + Communication with special acknowledgement to PMC Volunteer Crew Leader Cindy Chase