My Fundraising Page
Held by Brian Benson
Tour de Cure presented by Wheaton Precious Metals
8 supporters
3 months remaining
Please consider supporting me in the Tour de Cure!
In August of 2024 I will be embarking on a cycling challenge. I have committed to participate in the Tour de Cure presented by Wheaton Precious Metals to help BC Cancer Foundation break down cancer.
I've lost count of how many years I've been fortunate to participate in this ride. That's a good thing considering when I was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013, I truly believed my time on earth was limited. Hard to believe that was 10 years ago and I'm now into my 5th year with my second cancer diagnosis of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia, a very rare form of blood cancer.
For the most part, I feel fantastic these days and have been able to deal with lasting Peripheral Neuropathy, a symptom of having Waldenstroms, primarily in my feet. The realistic and medical conclusion is that my neuropathy will never go away given the duration I've had it. If I can keep my feet warm when I do things like downhill ski or cycle, the discomfort is drastically reduced and I can continue to push myself physically. Battery operated heated socks are my new best friend. I enjoy being on the ski slopes and actually being able to say to friends whose feet are cold, "I think I need to turn down the temperature of my socks!" I now am the proud owner of 4 pair of heated socks.
There is a one-day ride or the regular 2 day ride this year. I have committed myself to the 2-days. It's an amazing experience to be riding among so many fellow cancer survivors. When I participate in this ride, I am also reminded of those who have lost their battle to cancer and are currently fighting cancer.
As for my blood cancer, there is still no cure at this time but new treatments are proving themselves very effective at holding my type of cancer at bay. I have not required further treatment as of today, but the day will come that some sort of treatment will be required. There is so much more promise even since my diagnosis in 2017. This is all due to research. There are new studies I just read about recently which again, hold so much promise that hopefully one day there will be a cure for Waldenstroms. Until then, we must continue to raise the much-needed funds for research.
BC Cancer continues to follow me on a regular basis. Because of this ongoing follow up, I've recently been diagnosed with Hypercalcemia. Basically, too much calcium in my blood. Im under the care of an endocrinologist at this time and am going through some tests to determine the root cause of the high calcium level. A higher percentage of Waldenstrom's patients do develop this than the general population but if not for BC Cancer regular follow ups, this may have gone on for a long time before symptoms appeared. This is just one more reason I am so grateful for BC Cancer and the amazing care I receive.
Thank you so much for your support!
Brian
