Prostate Cancer Patient to Complete 10,000-Mile Cycling Journey and Raise $225K to Support Fellow Patients

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ZERO Prostate Cancer
Scott Meeks
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Prostate Cancer Patient to Complete 10,000-Mile Cycling Journey and Raise $225K to Support Fellow Patients 

Park Rapids, MN, June 6, 2024 - Scott Freitag, a Stage IV prostate cancer patient from Nevis, MN, will complete an extraordinary 10,000-mile cycling and fundraising journey this month. Scott, with his wife Katy, set out one year ago to bike around the perimeter of the United States to raise awareness and funds to fight prostate cancer. They’ll celebrate the final leg of their cross-country ride on June 15, 2024, at Itasca State Park, MN, where they’ll present more than $225,000 to ZERO Prostate Cancer. ZERO Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. 

“We hope that over the past year, we've made a difference in the lives of many men and perhaps even saved some lives by advocating for earlier diagnostic testing," said Scott Freitag. "My message to men is simple: talk to your doctors and get your PSA test. Early detection saves lives."

While biking across 33 state lines through wind, snow, and rocky terrains, Freitag, 60, also juggled surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone deprivation therapy to manage his metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. His wife and care partner, Katy, trailed him in a camper, mapping routes and planning meet-ups with other prostate cancer patients. 

“Despite the obstacles, Scott has been determined from the beginning to make this dream a reality,” said Katy Freitag. “Every flat tire, every bumpy road, has been worth it. And the patients we’ve met over the last year are not only inspirations, but they’ve become our family.”

The Freitags' tireless advocacy and fundraising efforts have garnered widespread recognition, including the Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Early Detection Impact Award from ZERO Prostate Cancer and the Cash, Sweat, and Tears Award from the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. 

“Scott's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of individuals to make a difference,” said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. “Even as he faced his own health challenges, he channeled his energy and passion into a purpose larger than himself. His commitment to cycling across the nation and his dedication to raising funds and awareness for ZERO Prostate Cancer is nothing short of awe-inspiring.”

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Today, there are more than 3.3 million prostate cancer survivors in the United States. If detected early, the relative 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100%. 

The Freitags’ decision to embark on their year-long cycling journey came after getting tragic news that Scott’s son, Benny, had died by suicide. It was Benny's death and struggle with schizophrenia and Scott’s cancer diagnosis that inspired the trip and their fundraising efforts, Miles for Money. 

Scott and Katy conclude their 10,000-mile trek at Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Pk Dr, Park Rapids, MN 56470, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. 

About ZERO Prostate Cancer

ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For almost 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy and support, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care.

As the nation's #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROCancer.org.