*PIC COMING
TO SAY Manny Geritz has been touched by cancer would be an understatement.
Mr Gertiz has had many second hand experiences with this illness, more than anyone should endure.
The Narre Warren resident was first exposed to the grief which stems from this sickness when he lost his son to neuroblastoma in 1980.
Thirty two years down the track and the reality of the illness struck again, losing his sister to brain cancer late last year.
This said, Mr Geritz has more reason than ever to be participating in this year’s Ride to Conquer Cancer.
“It stemmed from that,” he said.
The October event will take place in picturesque Victoria with proceeds from the ride going benefiting the Peter Macallum Centre.
Mt Geritz forms part of a team of 10, made up mainly of family.
“We have all pitched in to honour their memory,” he said.
Unphased by the distance or terrain of the race, Mr Geritz is waiting for the event in anticipation.
“For me I am looking forward to it because quite a few people with cancer do the ride so it will be great to talk with them,” he said.
With fundraising and training well underway, Mr Geritz appears to be well prepared for the race.
“I ride all the time,” he said.
“A group of us did the Great Victorian Bikeride last year.”
Each team member is required to raise a minimum of $2500 each, with Mr Gertiz leading the way having nearly raised $1500 so far.
Manny’s brother John will also be doing the ride, hosting a number of the fundraisers at his Dulux Inspirations store in Narre Warren.
For the rest of the team members from Gon Bonkers fundraising has also begun, with a mutual goal to raise $33,000 between all 10 members.
Mr Gertiz admitted what a great feeling it will be when he crosses the finish line.
“It will be a big achievement,” he said.
