Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness
Yosemite
August 3 - 8, 2008

The Climbers' Stories:

Jim & Jaime Cozad
Thousand Oaks, CA

NEVER LET GO OF HOPE

In 1995, my best friend, Dallas, at the young age of 47 was diagnosed with cancer. Four months after his prognosis, he passed away. Still in shock, I immediately marched myself into the doctor for a complete physical. The results left me speechless; I had elevated PSA levels, an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.

I attempted to battle the cancer with alternative medicine for over a year. Finally, after much research, I chose prostate brachtherapy (radioactive seed implants). After the procedure, I remained cancer free for a little over ten years.

However, in February 2005, my PSA level climbed once again and I was unfortunately informed that the cancer had returned. My Gleason score determined that I had a more aggressive form of prostate cancer, which had progressed outside the gland. I have been on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which is a hormone blockade therapy for advanced prostate cancer for the past three years. I'm patiently awaiting a new cure. I continue to live each day to the fullest: surfing, golfing, waterskiing, biking, kayaking, you name it and I have tried it. However, the most important precedence in my life is my family. Thank you for your endless love, positive outlook, and genuine care.

My daughter, Jaime and I are joining this expedition to raise awareness and education about prostate cancer. Through awareness, hopefully men will get screened earlier for this epidemic disease. We are honored to be part of such an amazing team of dedicated people.

Thank you for your encouragement and support!

You can use your credit card to make a tax-deductible contribution on their behalf by visiting their webpage at www.firstgiving.com/cozadteam

Jim Cozad

"If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell."
~Lance Armstrong

Richard Cross
Salinas, CA

I have found that the people that I meet on this life's journey are worth knowing. I am here because I wish to live until I die. I'm volunteering my time for the Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness climb in Yosemite.

Thirty years as an air traffic controller. Diagnosed with throat cancer 1989, treatment successful. Diagnosed with prostate cancer 1998, adopted and have continued a watchful waiting (active surveillance), proactive approach to healing.

Photo taken over the Monterey Peninsula at 14,500'. We dropped in for lunch?

Ralph Lake
Austin, TX

I can't believe this will be my 6th Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness. I do these climbs to help get the message. 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 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'm looking forward to this year's climb and our return to Yosemite. 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.

Ken Malik
San Francisco, CA

This will be my seventh Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness. I've been on every one of the "Climb" so far. I'm hoping for two things. First, that my aging body holds up to the rigors of another climb. More importantly, 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 in my fourteenth year since being diagnosed with prostate cancer. 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 a great partner Gail and the healthy lifestyle measures I've adopted I'm able to live a normal, active life and participate in the rigors of high altitude mountain climbing.

I helped found the Prostate Awareness Foundation back in 1998. 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 in this year's expedition. Please join us in spirit in August when we attempt the summits of a number of Yosemite high country peaks.

Please visit www.firstgiving.com/kennethmalik to make a contribution to PAF on my behalf. 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.

Shana Malik
Staten Island, NY

This will be my first Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness. In fact, this is my first climb ever. However, I am an avid volleyball player, run several miles each week and played rugby in college. So I am up for this new and exciting challenge in Yosemite.

I am truly honored to have been invited to join the team. Prostate cancer awareness is of particular interest to me because my uncle, Ken Malik, was diagnosed with prostate cancer several years ago. With strict changes to his diet, increased levels of exercise and constant management of stress, he has remained healthy. Knowing that it is possible to live a long energetic and spirited life after being diagnosed, I hope this expedition will inspire men and their families to educate themselves about prostate cancer, get regular check-ups and that there are natural methods of treatment. Please provide your support and enthusiasm for our August climb in Yosemite.

Please visit www.firstgiving.com/ShanaMalik to make a contribution to PAF on my behalf. All donations are tax-deductible.

Shana Malik is a resident of Staten Island, New York and works for a global advertising agency in Manhattan.

Steve Massaro
Delvalle, TX

My grandfather suffered from prostate cancer for the last five or six years of his life. Although he did not die as a direct result of the cancer - he had a heart attack and kidney failure at 96. However, his cancer had spread and contributed to his debilitated condition and the misery he suffered in the last years of his life.

I've heard about the Cancer Climbs for Prostate Awareness from friends of mine in Texas and have always wanted to participate. I am glad for the opportunity to volunteer on this years expedition and honor my grandfather's name - Victor Peterson.

I'm also looking forward to learning more about prostate friendly eating and the proactive steps I can take to avoid the problem.

Steve is retired and leads an active lifestye while residing in Delvalle, TX.

The Mohovich Team
Rick, Shawn, Lillee, Lynette, Curtis
NJ, CT, MN

This will be Rick's 4th climb for Prostate Cancer. Shawn's 3rd and the 1st for Lynette, Curtis & Lillee. We are grateful for your continued support.

We all know people who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and we are fortunate to say they are all alive today. Early detection is important with any cancer but is crucial with prostate cancer. You can make a credit card donation on behalf of our team by visiting www.firstgiving.com/paf and following the prompts; your contribution is tax-deductible. Thank you for your support.

Mary And Dennis Nichols
Vallejo, CA

Thank you for donating your hard earned dollars in support of prostate cancer awareness. It's tax-deductible!

It would be the rare person who has not known someone affected by this disease. We want to help get the word out to men everywhere that there are options for treatment. Also that PAF offers support and help.

We're climbing to the top of high peaks in the Sierras with prostate survivors to raise awareness about the prostate cancer epidemic and critically needed funding. Mary is also going as part of the wilderness medical support for these incredible guys!

Every weekend, we are hiking to train around the bay area. We go about 10 miles, with ups and downs. Come join us!