4 years after receiving a Stage IV diagnosis, Patient #1 gives back and pays it forward
Four years ago today, I walked into the emergency room at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. with a spiking fever. Sixteen days later, I left as a stage IV melanoma patient.
Hearing "I think you have a recurrence of your cancer" is a moment etched in my mind forever, kicking off a fight for health – and for life. Two clinical trials, four immunotherapies, and seven surgeries later, the oncologist is cautiously using words like "gone" and "cured". There have been incredibly trying times, with good days and bad interspersed throughout this roller coaster ride.
So on October 2, 2016 – 16 years to the day from my initial, stage IB melanoma surgery, and a scant 51 days from now – I will be hopping on my road bike and heading north up the coast of Florida.
This isn't just for kicks, or to cross off a bucket list item. Through this ride, I am giving back and paying forward the ridiculously generous support my family has received over the last four years. Every dollar donated to my ride will go to First Descents (FD), a program that gives young adults with cancer a weeklong outdoor adventure (think rock climbing, whitewater rafting, surfing).
My first experience with an FD trip inspired this new bike ride adventure. Their motto/hashtag of #OutLivingIt is the social media embodiment of resolve, positive outlook, and courage in the face of disease. And there's nothing that resonates with me more than giving the FD opportunity to others.
So I plan to lead by example. What I am doing is living life as fully as possible. I will get on my bike and push north. I will show other patients that their diagnosis is NOT a death sentence. I will live my life in a way that may provide someone else with the push to keep on fighting for their own health. I will show that despite Stage IV melanoma and an "I'll be surprised if he is here in two years" prognosis, there is hope and promise and a path to a fulfilled life.
The journey starts in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Tybee Island, Ga., six days and 525 miles later. It is tentatively dubbed "Parrot to Pirate", after the anchors of The Parrot Lounge (a Philly bar in Fort Lauderdale) and the Tybee Pirate Fest (an event held the weekend I arrive). I'll average about six hours a day in the saddle. Here is the planned course up US Route 1.
When I begin this ride, I will be pedaling to keep the promise I made four years ago to "make a difference in the life of someone else." I will be fulfilling my part of the fundraising goal. I will be enabling one or five or ten or more cancer patients to get on a surfboard or in a kayak or clip on a carabiner. I'll have the expectations that someone, somewhere, is frantically Googling "Stage IV cancer survivors", looking for a fellow patient's story to give them hope.
For those reading now, I ask you simply to share my story – with family, friends, and anyone who might be touched by cancer. Tell them what I am doing, and why. Ask them to contribute something … Sacrifice a dinner out, or a bottle of wine, or Starbucks trips for a week to support the dude with melanoma riding his bike up US-1. A nickel or dime a mile (or a quarter or dollar!) seems so insignificant, but it can make an incredible impact. I'll do the miles – I just need your help to spread the word.
In 51 days, I'll be battling the next challenge. Beating cancer one mile at a time. #OutLivingIt.
To donate to T.J's findraising efforts, click here. If you have questions, helpful hints, suggestions, or the like for T.J., feel free to reach out on Facebook or Twitter.
T.J. Sharpe shares his fight as Patient #1 against Stage IV Melanoma in the Diagnosis: Cancer blog. Read more »