Our Story

In the summer of 2008 my father died from metastatic melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. He fought Cancer for 11 years, riding all the time until the disease took his balance and the ability to use his left hand. When he was initially diagnosed the outlook was grim. After he passed my mother told me one of his first doctors believed he had less than 18 months to live, that was 1997. It was around that time that my father rediscovered his passion for cycling - a passion that he was able to share with many other friends, family members and cancer patients.

The doctors now believe that cycling played a pivotal role in his 11 year fight. Through sixteen surgeries and procedures, a debilitating drug called Interleukin II, injections of a vaccine made from his own tumors and whole brain radiation, Dad always found a way to return to his Litespeed. After having what was thought to be a very early stage mole removed from his back in March of 1997 melanoma inexplicably spread to 8 different sites, some sites had multiple recurrences including his shoulder, colon, pelvis, chest wall and brain. All of these were surgically removed, but finally he developed multiple brain and spinal cord lesions that ultimately ended his life.

For 11 years he would build up a great cycling base, only to have it destroyed after finding cancer in another spot. Malignant melanoma developed in 8 different places including multiple brain tumors, and finally lesions on his spine. With all those set backs I always knew he would return to cycling. It was something I knew we could talk about when we could not talk about Cancer. During 11 years of suffering and cycling he inspired a variety of other riders to take up the sport.

This year in honor of my father's 11 year fight I have pledged to raise $11,000 dollars for the Lance Armstrong Foundation by competing in 11 different endurance events. I am fortunate to be joined in this project by my uncle, Bobby Wilt and JB Bentz, a good friend of many years. This initiative known as Project 11, has three main goals: raise $11,000 and hopefully more, honor my father, and encourage as many people as possible to participate with us at the various events. As many people know an active and healthy lifestyle is one way we can prevent some forms of cancer. We have already begun recruiting team members for many of the events. The events include duathlons, double centuries, centuries, marathons, but the bulk of the events are triathlons.

Project 11 is growing quickly. I have no doubt that we will be able to reach our goal of $11,000 dollars. Even more impressive is the potential Project 11 has stirred in my partners and I. The energy we have created is exciting! The Project is still young, but we are constantly discovering new ways to help spread the message. This is just a beginning for us.