In general:
1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer.
I am joining the effort to help accelerate cures for cancer by raising funds at Padres Pedal the Cause 2024. 100% of every dollar raised funds collaborative research among San Diego's top research institutions:
- UC San Diego Health
- Rady Children's Hospital
- Salk Institute
- Sanford Burnham Prebys
- Scripps Research
- La Jolla Institute of Immunology
With over $21 million raised to date, Padres Pedal the Cause has already funded 80+ innovative research grants in all types of cancer.
Please consider supporting me with a donation of any amount that is meaningful to you.
Thank you!
Now more specific:
I am continuing to join the fight against cancer by once again participating with Curebound/ Padres Pedal the Cause event. On April 07, 2024 I plan to cycle the 55 mile route. I joined the Cancer Kickers team to gain power in numbers and friendly support. My usual riding partner Melissa will not be joining me this year as she will have just had a newborn baby boy who will accompany her, my wife Theresa, and a couple of close friends for the 5K concurrent event. That’s right, I will be a new grandpa soon! Another milestone and reason to live!
Although I am a health care professional (retired), I have personal experience in what is also involved in being cancer survivor. I have undergone multiple surgeries and ablative procedures for a Stage IV aggressive sarcoma with multiple lung metastases over the past 9 years. I have also undergone radiation therapy as well as chemotherapy. I have had some of the best care available and take an active role in it. I am otherwise very healthy and have always been active and keep a positive fighting attitude. I continue to be strong and hopefully can be a positive example to others as well as contribute to the fight through this cause. I am also free from a Stage II melanoma for over 30 years.
We all have friends and family who have in some way been touched by cancer. I ride for some that I know or have known personally and also for all of the cancer community. It is our goal that research funded by Curebound/ Padres Pedal the Cause will lead to increased survivorship and quality of life and ultimately accelerate toward an end point being cures for cancer.
We made it through some trying times with COVID and unfortunately cancer did not take a break. Coronaviruses and other viruses are still around but as we learn more and novel therapies have been developed, there are fewer severe and deadly cases. With similar technologies and the input of research and great minds, perhaps cancers will become very treatable and curable!
While I am not usually enthusiastic about personally asking for donations, I stand by and support this great cause. The program continues to grow and assist with remarkable research and therapies. I will do all that I can personally stay well and strong and continue to support this cause one pedal stroke at a time!
Please help me in this charge to raise money for Curebound/ Padres Pedal the Cause by making a donation. 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to fund life-saving cancer research.
Thank you again!
03/02/2024 Homestretch Update
Cancer did not take a break for the pandemic. In fact, it provided challenges dealing with it and for many it caused delays in diagnosis and prompt treatment.
I already gave a brief summary of my personal dealings with cancer. I also mentioned that most of us in one way or another have been affected by and know of individuals who have survived, continue to fight or are struggling through cancer and associated treatments as well as those who have succumbed to cancer. For some, it’s an easy journey and for others, it’s a constant struggle. I ride for all that are affected as patients and supporters who play a very important role. I ride for Lisa (breast), Viki (breast), Irv RIP (pancreatic), Serena RIP (neuroendocrine), Joel RIP (esophageal), Russ (CML), Michael (kidney), DL (oral), Mark (oral), Renee (MM), Nandy RIP (colon), Doug (testicular), Donna (ovarian), Christie (AMN), Jamie (sarcoma), Ellen (breast), Kellie (breast), and many, many others
So as you can see, cancer comes in many forms and in many types of people as well. It is hoped that with the support of events such as Curebound-PPtC, continued advances can be made so that treating cancers will soon be very routine, easy and predictable. It is actually quite remarkable the advances that have been made in our lifetimes. San Diego as a major biotech hub is well positioned and is at the forefront of many of the breakthroughs and will continue to meet the challenges that cancers bring. I am extremely optimistic and honored to be a part of the solutions.
This is likely my final update before the April 7th event. I would like to thank all of my friends, family, and acquaintances who have been supportive always and specifically for this endeavor. I also would like to thank my medical team who has been helping me to survive well and in good shape well beyond any statistical expiration date. Those who know me are aware that I am proactive and very involved in my personal care. I have grit and I don’t give up easily. There are many more individuals, but I wish to thank Drs. Banerjee, Makani, Koka, Perricone, McKenna, Einck, and all associated staff. I am grateful to Scripps, UCSD, cCare, St. John’s, Cedar’s, and also technologies such as genetic sequencing, chemo regimen lab testing and Cyberknife. Also thanks to Stephanie at Pfizer Oncology for all her help and Dr. Casteel for getting the ball rolling.
I personally have insight in navigating our medical system. However, it is my hope that our medical system will continue to improve and cancer diagnosis and treatment will become simpler, routine, tolerable, effective and readily available to all. Curebound-PPtC helps make such advances happen.
Happy Pedaling!
Dr.Dave