#WhyIPMC guest blog by Gary Count, 27-year rider, Team Patriots Platelet Pedalers
This is my 27th year riding the PMC. When I first started riding the PMC, I had no relatives with cancer. The idea of riding 192 miles with the benefit of raising money for cancer research was a win win situation.
Since then, I have lost a cousin and my Mom to cancer. I have friends now who are amazing cancer survivors. A lot changes in 27 years.
![image1-May-12-2023-06-06-31-3365-PM](https://www.pmc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image1-May-12-2023-06-06-31-3365-PM.jpeg?width=324&height=300&name=image1-May-12-2023-06-06-31-3365-PM.jpeg)
This country and the world need one less scourge. Whatever I can do to eliminate the dreaded cancer diagnosis is all the motivation I need. The lives of my grandchildren is motivation. My commitment is for them.
![image0-May-12-2023-06-06-29-3108-PM](https://www.pmc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/image0-May-12-2023-06-06-29-3108-PM.jpeg?width=400&height=300&name=image0-May-12-2023-06-06-29-3108-PM.jpeg)