Why I PMC - Ben Marsh

Guest blog by Ben Marsh

Twelve years ago I stood on the PMC bike route and cheered on 2 friends riding. A bagel in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. My buddy and I looked at each other and knew instantly we'd be riding the following year. The four of us set sail in 2006 and this year marks my 11th straight PMC ride! We picked up about 20 more buddies/brothers along the way and our team - The Bikers Dozen - has raised almost $1,700,000 along this PMC "journey".

But this is why I ride:

I work in the financial markets. I buy, I sell, I help clients invest. At the end of the day I'm proud of what I do, but I have an empty feeling when I don't help others at the end of a normal day. I coached youth sports for many years, I've recently become a big brother and I try to mentor as many people that I can.

I started riding the PMC because of the camaraderie AND it was a great way to work out and stay in shape. But from my first training ride I knew it was something bigger. I'm helping people - people I don't necessarily know - but helping and giving back to the community in a really cool way. Anyone can write a check, but this was so much more of an investment, not just of money, but of energy and time... and I wish I could do more!

Every year I feel proud asking friends, family and coworkers to help support me and the PMC because in a way I think it makes everyone feel good about giving to help defeat cancer!

I ride with an oncologist who is constantly stopped along the route so survivors can give him a hug and thank him for saving their life. I stand there in awe, but deep down I have a great feeling inside because I'm actually helping people too - I really am...and I've vowed (as have most of my brothers on the Bikers Dozen, to continue this journey for as long as our bodies allow us!