Ben's Second Triathlon for Joseph

Ben Rosenbaum is competing in the NYC Triathlon a second time in honor of his father-in-law, Joseph Berman, who passed away from multiple myeloma in December 2009. Inspired by Joseph’s memory, Ben is working hard to help make a difference in the lives of other patients so that they may live longer, richer lives in spite of the obstacles set by this illness. Through Ben’s selfless giving of his time and effort, Joseph’s memory lives on.

It Started With Trying Something New...

Jeremy's Airplane at the NYC M

For Jeremy Beer, “It all started with the Empire State Building Run Up.” Jeremy works for Celgene, a pharmaceutical company that works closely with the MMRF to develop and distribute treatments for multiple myeloma. Celgene is the national sponsor for the run up, and company employees were encouraged to field a team for the event. When no other employees signed up to represent the company, Jeremy, then a temp worker, stepped up to the challenge. Jeremy had a great time at the event, and he became more and more impressed with the MMRF as he learned more about it. So impressed, in fact, that he entered the Five Boro Bike Tour, the NYC Triathlon and the NYC Triathlon with the PowerTeam that same year! Through the events, Jeremy met several multiple myeloma patients who made him realize just how meaningful his racing was to them. Whenever training feels tough, he thinks of the struggles cancer patients face and how he’s helping them. “Someone at the NYC Marathon told me, ‘If you think running 26.2 miles is hard, try fighting cancer,” he says. “When I think about that, my pain vanishes, my determination takes over, and I think if they can do it, I can do it.”

John's "Hat Trick"

John Soto is a serious triathlete; since he started in 2005, he has logged more than 30 triathlons, including a Toughman Half Ironman, which he promised himself he would complete before his 50^th birthday! John and Raymond Moore are entering this triathlon together for their co-worker and friend, Andre, who John says “has always been one of the coolest characters on the desk.” John first met Andre in 2006 when his work brought him to New York. When John found that Andre had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, he and Andre decided they should do something for him. At one point the three friends had talked about doing a triathlon together, and when John and Raymond found that the MMRF was sponsoring spots for the NYC Tri, it was a “no brainer.” “I’m excited that I can do something I enjoy, support a friend and raise money for a good cause,” he says. “That’s quite the ‘hat trick’! I wish everything in life could be that satisfying!”

Racing Together Again for a Good Cause!

Jose

Jose Gonzalez claims he is “just an architect that enjoys sports,” but the way he he always manages to use his love of sports to help others sets him apart. Jose and his brother share a love of sports- and competition! Growing up in Mexico, Jose and Juan always found ways to play and compete with one another, especially in soccer, and when they went off to college they each continued to play different sports in competitive leagues. Though they live far apart from one another now, and their mutual love of sports still keeps them close. Each time the two triathletes join forces, they use their race to benefit a different cause. After researching various charities and organizations, they chose to support the MMRF because of its “incredible values and significant activities.” Jose and Juan look forward joining a cause that inspires them and racing with-and against- each other in the spirit of healthy competition as they always have!

A Daughter's Love

Kim Myers is racing in the New York City Triathlon to support the research that has helped her father, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 2 ½ years ago. Though the diagnosis was devastating, Kim’s father has responded positively to treatment! “Due to funding from foundations like this one, he has been able to participate in trials at Yale,” she says. “Fortunately, his condition has remained stable because of these trials.” As the research Kim supports keeps her father strong, her love for her father keeps her going as she prepares for the Triathlon!