How Numbers Have Affected My Life

My Dad was 44 years old when he spent 72 hours in a hospital bed. I was 16 years old when I spent 72 hours in a hospital chair by his side. Eight years ago, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

One surgery, three infections, and five weeks spent in two different hospitals later, he is now eight years cancer free. Not only did he kick cancer’s butt, but he’s been kicking butt at life every day since. When my Dad was told he was no longer sick, he made a point to never get sick again. He may be 52 now, but he sure does not look or act like it.

Shortly after his path to an extremely healthy lifestyle, it became my Dad’s mission to start fundraising for Prostate Cancer research and raise awareness for early detection. He set a goal to inline skate across our home state of Colorado, raising money and awareness along his journey. After his first successful Skate For Prostate across Colorado in 2012, he didn’t stop there, tackling the state of Texas in 2013.

My father has skated a total of 1,050 miles, participated in numerous events, done countless interviews, all while raising awareness, meeting others who have been affected, fundraising, sharing his story, and genuinely changing lives.

Everyday my Dad inspires me. His long, hard battle with cancer is something I wish no one else has to go through. His strength and endurance push me to take care of myself and my body.

I would like others to have the option to fight like he did. I am running 26.2 miles in honor of my father and all those affected by Prostate Cancer. I am running on behalf of  Team ZERO because I want to be part of a movement for Generation Zero – a generation free of Prostate Cancer.

To those all those affected – there may be numbers that impact you too. You may not have those numbers yet, or you may be counting numbers down, but do not give up the fight. Sometimes it is a marathon; take it one day and one-step at a time. Together we can beat Prostate Cancer and create a generation that has one number in common, Zero.