Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness
Mt. Elbert, Colorado, USA
August 2006

The Climbers' Stories:

Ken Malik
SAN FRANCISCO, CA

This will be my fifth Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness. I’m hoping that our expedition will once again send an inspirational message to men and their families: that there is plenty of life possible after a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

I’m now sixty-one years old and in my twelfth year since being diagnosed. I have never had any conventional treatment! Fortunately, my cancer was diagnosed early and with strict lifestyle changes it has not progressed. These changes include a strict low fat, non-dairy vegetarian type diet (I do eat some fish), meditation practice for stress reduction, regular exercise, and the use of a number of nutritional supplements. Of course I continue to be checked regularly with the best diagnostic tools available. I’m a lucky man, with the healthy lifestyle I’ve adopted I’m able to participate in the rigors of high altitude mountain climbing.

The Cancer Climb’s have raised almost $500,000 for awareness programs and education. Our goal is to encourage men to take proactive responsibility for prevention, regular checkups and their prostate health. I am proud to have the opportunity to participate once again. Please join us in spirit in August when we attempt the summits of Mt Elbert and Mt Massive in the Colorado Rockies. All donations are tax deductible. 

Ken Malik is the co-founder and executive director of the Prostate Awareness Foundation and also a businessman in San Francisco. He is one of the team leaders of this year’s expedition. 

Brad Neal
AUSTIN, TX

I can’t believe this will be my fourth Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness. I never intended to be a mountain climber but I’ve been to Yosemite, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Peruvian Andes to help raise money for outreach and education about this epidemic affliction. When I went on the first expedition to Africa it was in honor of my father Pat, a prostate cancer survivor of over 15 years. I know he is real proud of my effort. 

Prostate cancer has become a real “family affair” for me. When I returned from Africa in 2003 it was to the news that my brother had been diagnosed with aggressively growing prostate cancer. Fortunately he was diagnosed in time, had radiation therapy and is doing well. 

Last year I participated in the El Misti expedition in Peru. A few of my toes froze and I still don’t have the full feeling back yet. Some of my friends think I’m crazy to continue my climbing efforts, they may be right. But this year’s climb in the Rockies, although over 14,000’ shouldn’t be as cold, so here I go again! I want to continue to help the “cause” while honoring my father and brother. I also get to hear more about ways to prevent the disease in the first place. I know I’m a pretty high-risk candidate for prostate cancer since it runs in my family. I much rather prevent it than to have to deal with it. I think these expeditions are a great way for me support prostate cancer outreach programs while learning more about taking care of my own prostate health. 

Brad Neal is a mortgage broker who hails from Austin, Texas. Brad conducts an annual local golf tournament in Austin called the Bone Invitational to raise funding for PAF. 

Ralph Lake
AUSTIN,TX

It seems like no family these days goes untouched by cancer. My father and two uncles were diagnosed with cancer and most recently two good friends were told they have prostate cancer. It seems like there’s an epidemic going on. 

My old high school classmate Ken Malik and I became reacquainted a few year’s ago and he has really given me an education about prostate cancer. As a fairly recent retiree, I don’t want to become another statistic. With my newfound awareness about the disease, I am taking positive, proactive action to maximize my health. Awareness and personal action are key elements to prevention, early detection, and the early treatments that save lives. 

I’ve now been on three Cancer Climbs for Prostate Awareness and I’m looking forward to the Fourth this August in the Colorado Rockies. I had never considered myself a mountain climber but I’m in pretty good shape and this is a great way of giving something back while learning more about how to prevent prostate cancer. I’m up for the challenge and hope you will support my efforts. 

Ralph Lake is a retired engineer and resides in Austin, Texas. He is on the board of directors of the Prostate Awareness Foundation. Ralph is an avid fisherman and has been an outdoorsman all his life

Sonia Sabir
TORONTO, CANADA