Brain Tumor Survivor Saddles Up In Quest For Cure

Benjamin “Ben” Turits was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1984, when he was just 4 years old. Living with his family in Cooperstown, New York, Turits’ surgical team was able to succesfully remove his tumor.

“I am so fortunate,” he reflected. “I feel I am lucky because I haven’t had to deal with any intense lasting effects. For the most part I’ve been able to live a normal life.”

His “normal life” included a growing passion for cycling. After participating in a mountain bike race at just 13 years old, he was hooked. 

If you decide you want to pedal for a cause, this is a great start.

“I went on to race for Schwinn and JAMUS,” said Turits, who, after years of professional racing is now a sports therapist and coach for Duke University’s cycling team.

As a racer, Turits said he’s always loved being part of a team. So it wasn’t surprising when he saddled up with the V Foundation as co-chair of its new event, Victory Ride.

“Victory Ride is an all-inclusive ride,” shared Turits, also a co-captain of Duke Cancer Institute’s fundraising team. “It doesn’t matter the skill level or one’s cycling background. If you have a bike and decide you want to pedal for a cause, this is a great start.”

The first-ever Victory Ride To Cure Cancer will take place Saturday, May 19, in the rolling hills of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. The ride starts and finishes at NC State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh. There are many route options, including a Family Ride. To learn more or to join Team Duke Cancer Institute, go to dciVictoryRide.org.