 Ken Malik - Santa Rosa, CA |
I just entered my 17th year of living with prostate cancer. I feel very fortunate to have caught my disease early. With some major life style changes I’ve been able to stall disease progression and avoid aggressive therapy. I think it’s incredibly important that organizations like the PAF continue to offer men free, patient driven information about prostate health and one of the reasons I’m climbing once again.
Part of my personal prostate cancer protocol is staying in top physical condition. The latest research indicates that men who have the most consistent exercise programs seem to have the least prostate disease progression. This has been my justification for continued mountain climbing at the ripe old age of sixty seven. I have participated in all of the past Prostate Cancer climbs, sometimes I’ve made it to the top and sometimes I haven’t but they have all been personally gratifying experiences. This year’s expedition to Mt Shasta will be particularly special as it is a memorial to a friend, Bob Boardman. Bob passed away with advanced prostate cancer in late 2011. He was a good man and this is a way of honoring his life. I helped found the PAF back in 1995. The Foundation’s mission 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 climb. Please help make our expedition a success by contributing in my behalf. Your generous support is tax deductible and will help the PAF reach more men and their families with valuable prostate health information.. Ken Malik is the co-founder and executive director of the Prostate Awareness Foundation, He is one of the team leaders of this year’s expedition. If you would like to make a donation on my behalf with your credit card please go to www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ken-malik |
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 The Zlotnick/Lebell Family - Sebastopol, CA |
Jan Zlotnick has been living with prostate cancer for 19 years, a veteran of surgery, radiation and now chemical and integrative treatments. This is his third PAF climb, the first of which was summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Jeanette Lebell has been his loyal and unfailingly helpful partner through all of this. She is an avid uphill hiker whose highest climb was 14,210 ft White Mountain Peak near Bishop, California. Our 15 year old son Quincy Zlotnick is a strong and capable young climber who has also cleared 14,000 ft. This is the first Prostate Cancer Climb that all three of us will tackle together. It is also the first technical climb any of us has done. We look forward to this challenge, as a family.
We see four parts to this challenge: First, to raise money to help support the Prostate Awareness Foundation which does so much to help men facing their own prostate cancer battles. Second, to raise awareness about this disease that affects so many men and their families. Third, to unite the three of us to rise to the occasion of doing a technical climb which will require learning some new skills, training and conquering a little fear, together–I see it as a metaphor for how our family has dealt with Jan’s illness. Lastly, to pay our respects to the memory of our dear friend Bob Boardman who recently lost his battle with prostate cancer but who will be in our hearts as we climb Mt. Shasta. To donate by credit card on behalf of the Zlotnick/Lebell Family please visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/zlotnicklebellfamily |
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 The Boardman/Beach Family - Sonoma County, CA |
Climbers Ian and Robb Boardman and Trekker/Support Team members Laura Beach and Petra Boardman are all participating in this adventure with love and remembrance of their beloved Bob Boardman.
Ian & Robb are two of Bob’s sons, Laura was his wife and soul mate for 28 years, and Petra is his former wife and intimate family friend. This family team is deeply honored to be participating in an event commemorating Bob and supporting an organization of which Bob was an ardent advocate. To support our efforts and donate by credit card please visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/boardmanbeachfamily |
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 Ian Boardman - Sacramento, CA |
The picture above is of me and my father Bob who recently passed away from prostate cancer. I am doing the Cancer Climb and Trek for Prostate Awareness in his memory along with my brother Robb, my Mom and Petra Boardman, Bob’s first wife. I know my father would be proud of our efforts.
Ian received his law degree from Boston College and practices corporate law in Sacramento. To donate by credit card please visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/boardmanbeachfamily |
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 Robb Boardman - Healdsburg / San Francisco, CA |
My Dad, Bob died from advanced prostate cancer last November. I will be climbing Mt Shasta in his memory.
My fondest childhood memories are of summers spent backpacking in the Sierra’s with my dad and a small group of kids from our Boy Scout troop. Whether we were cliff diving into lakes, cooling off in a stream, or cooking up a delicious batch of freeze-dried beef stroganoff, my Dad always filled these moments with his passion, love, and humor. I hope I can bring some of that Bob Boardman magic on this noble expedition. To donate please visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/boardmanbeachfamily |
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 Rick Mohovich -Upper Saddle River, NJ |
Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, what a journey it has been since then. I began with a program of active surveillance, graduated to a radical prostatectomy as my PSA began to climb, when that failed I had a full round of radiation. My journey has brought me all over the United States to see some of the most renowned prostate specialists available. My family has been so supportive through all of this.
As with any journey, you pick up many supportive people along the way. One of these has been Ken Malik and the Prostate Awareness Foundation. I have been on eight Cancer Climbs & Treks for Prostate Awareness and they have all been memorable experiences. I’ve been in so many incredible places I never would have visited. Training for and participating in these expeditions has been a great way to stay in shape, one of the key components of stalling disease progression. I’m looking forward to this year’s expedition and the ascent of Mt Shasta. It give me a chance to see friends from past expeditions and meet new faces, learn the latest prostate health tips and an opportunity to support the PAF an organization that offers men and their family’s sane council and proactive advice on prostate health. Rick is a contractor in Northern New Jersey. He lives with his wife June and is the proud father of Shawn and Lynette, both who have participated on prior expeditions. Rick is a regular participant along with his son Shawn in “Make A Difference” an organization that helps repair and build homes after disasters like Katrina and the Haitian Earthquake. If you would like to donate on my behalf with a credit card, please go to my webpage: www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/rick-mohovich |
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 Tim Englert - Alameda, CA |
After I was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer in late 2010 I set out to learn as much as I could about this disease, and what I could do to improve my chances of survival. Luckily I found the Prostate Awareness Foundation and started attending their monthly support group meetings in San Francisco. Not only do they bring in expert speakers and have a wealth of information to share, I could also get answers to my questions and get a new perspective. Plus, here was a bunch of guys just like me, many of whom had been living with prostate cancer for years, who CLIMB MOUNTAINS !! This certainly impressed me, and now I’m happy to join them on local hikes and have committed to do the Mt. Shasta expedition as a member of the trekking team. What a great bunch of people taking charge of their own health and helping others to do the same. I would like to encourage you to help support the Prostate Awareness Foundation and my efforts with a generous, tax deductible contribution. Tim is a contractor and artist residing on Alameda island in San Francisco Bay. To donate by credit card please visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/timenglert Thank you. |
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 Tom Lennon - San Francisco, CA |
I was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer over 3 years ago when I was 57 years old. I have been attending PAF support group meetings in San Francisco since my diagnosis. I am currently in the UCSF Medical Center Watchful Waiting program and have had no conventional treatment. With tips, hints and support from the Prostate Awareness Foundation I have been able to keep my prostate cancer from progressing. I am really excited about participating in this year’s Cancer Climb & Trek for Prostate Awareness. I have watched the PAF do these annual fundraising and awareness expedition from the sidelines and look forward to being part of this year’s team. Won’t you please help me by supporting my efforts with a generous, tax deductible contribution. To donate by credit card on Tom’s behalf please visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/tomlennon Thank you.
Tom is an antique dealer residing in San Francisco. |
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 Ed Rael - San Francisco, CA |
My brother has cancer, so do many of my friends. It seems like almost every family is dealing with it these days. Like lots of men, as I’ve aged I’ve paid more attention to my prostate and how to take care of it.
I met Ken Malik the founder of the PAF almost 15 years ago. I was impressed with the fact that he seemed in really good health and physical condition. So I was surprised to find out that he has prostate cancer. Since then I have learned a lot about taking proactive steps to hopefully prevent getting prostate cancer. I have watched Ken do an annual Cancer Climb and always wanted to be part of the expedition. Mt Shasta is a majestic mountain that I have driven by many times and always wanted to explore. Now, as a member of the climbing team I have a real challenge on my hands. I’ve never climbed that high before and I have never used technical equipment, but I’m looking forward to reaching the summit and feel that I wil. Won’t you support my efforts with a generous, tax deductible contribution. To donate by credit card please visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/edwardrael |
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 John Loesing - Agoura Hills, CA |
As the number of males over 50 rapidly increases, so will the instances of prostate cancer. It’s my hope that the Cancer Climb & Trek for Prostate Awareness will help increase the public’s awareness about the disease, which currently strikes one out of six men. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, second only to lung cancer.
Mt Shasta will be my fifth cancer climb and first since Mt Cotopaxi, Ecuador in 2009. I was on the inaugural expedition to Mt Aconcagua, Argentina in 2001. I also reached the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in 2001 and Mt. Blanc in 2007. We’re very proud of the goals we’ve reached, but there’s more work to be done. My mother passed away at 78 from lung cancer and my father at the same age while battling prostate cancer. I know I have a higher risk factor for the disease, which is why I began receiving an annual PSA test by the time I was 40. I exercise regularly and strive for a healthy diet, although I’m not always successful. Our climbers, especially those with prostate cancer, are living proof that prostate cancer does not have to be a death knell. With each climb we embark upon a new mountain of hope. John Loesing is a newspaper and television journalist working in Los Angeles, California. He leads an active, outdoor lifestyle that includes hiking and surfing weekly. He recently took up stand-up paddle boarding. |
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 Shana Malik - Manchester, NH |
This will be my 3rd Cancer Climb & Trek for Prostate Awareness. I am really looking forward to using the technical climbing skills that I learned on the Mt Cotopaxi expedition to conquer Mt Shasta. Training and teamwork will be the key to our expedition’s success. 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 the Cascade Mountains of Northern California.
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 over seventeen years ago. Sorry to say cancer is prevalent in my family, my grandmother died of lung cancer and my father recently passed away with liver cancer. I really don’t want to become a cancer patient myself someday, so I am really interested in taking proactive steps now to hopefully prevent it from afflicting me. My Uncle Ken has avoided prostate cancer disease progression for 17 years. By using a strict prostate friendly diet, increased levels of exercise and constant management of stress; he has remained healthy. So I know 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 know that there are natural methods of treatment available. Please provide your support and enthusiasm for our July expedition to Mt Shasta. All donations are tax deductible. Shana Malik is a recent resident of Manchester, NH where she is an advertising executive. |
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 Seth Russell - San Francisco, CA |
I knew Bob Boardman and the Boardman family since I was a young teenager growing up in Healdsburg, CA. I’m honored to call myself a family friend. We spent countless hours together watching USC football games, traveling to exotic ports of call, singing and drinking beer at the Land which is the Boardman retreat. Bob was a good man, he taught me a lot during our conversations about the “finer points of life”. I grew to love and respect him and miss him very much.
I’m looking forward to the Bob Boardman Memorial Expedition and supporting the PAF and the cause that Bob believed in. I cannot think of a better way to honor his life than by participating and being surrounded by his family and close friends in this endeavor. Long live the legacy of the Silverback ! Seth is 30 years old and lives in San Francisco. He works in the technology industry. |
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 Nate Miller - Mountain View, CA |
This will be my first Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness. I’m doing the climb in memory of Bob Boardman and in support of the Boardman/Beach family. I’ve known the family for over 20 years and the strength Bob and his family showed in dealing with his prostate cancer has been inspiring. I want to support them in any way I can and going on this climb and helping raise funds for an organization that meant a lot to Bob seemed like a great way to do it.
The only other mountain I’ve climbed was Mt. Cotopaxi in 2009 (on a trip unrelated to PAF). It was one of the most difficult challenges of my life and I’m looking forward to another challenging climb. I had been living at 11,500 feet and leading hikes on a daily basis before climbing Cotopaxi, so I know I’ll have to be in great shape for this climb. As I’ve learned more about prostate cancer I think raising awareness around prevention among my generation can pay huge dividends down the road. That’s my other goal in participating in this climb. Nate Miller works in sales and marketing for a software startup in Mountain View, CA. He loves the outdoors, sports and cooking. |
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 Ron MacConnell - Staten Island, NY |
This is my fifth Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness. This year I will be the “official van driver” for the Mt Shasta Expedition. I really look forward to these expeditions. It’s a way for me to stay in shape, see some of the friends I’ve made on prior expeditions, meet new ones and feel like I’m participating in a worthwhile cause.
My brother in law was diagnosed with prostate cancer and some of my best friends have the disease. Personally, my PSA is low and I want to keep it that way, so this is a great way to learn how to take better care of my prostate health. Won’t you please support my efforts with a generous, tax deductible donation? To donate by credit card please visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ron-macconnell Ron is a retired educator and administrator for the NYC school system. He stays active by playing golf, running competitive races and going to the gym. |
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 Jackie Cacace - Staten Island, NY |
Cancer: it’s an evil, sneaky thief. It has stolen people from me and countless others. I hate it! Some of us want a new house, a new car, to lose weight, but someone battling cancer wants just one thing: to with the battle and stay alive. I don’t have cancer myself, but I have joined a team fighting this disease in a different way, the Cancer Climb & Trek for Prostate Awareness Expedition.
The expedition will attempt to reach the summit of 14,162’ Mt Shasta in the Cascade Mountains of Northern California. I have never climbed a mountain before and I consider myself a “city chick”. I competed in the NYC Marathon in 2010 and strive to maintain a high level of fitness. I’m a little nervous about this technical climb, but feel I will master the challenge with dedicated training coupled with my strong drive and determination to help create a world without cancer. Our goal is to generate critically needed funding for the Prostate Awareness Foundation. The PAF provides prostate education and outreach programs that help men and their families with a proactive approach to prostate health. We also hope to inspire men and their loved ones with a message of hope and the knowledge that there can be a rich and rewarding life after a cancer diagnosis. I owe the opportunity to participate to Adam Foresta who overheard my conversation explaining the expedition and its goals to a friend. I think it is fate that he stepped into my life and is making my participation in this adventure possible. I would like to dedicate this chance of a lifetime experience to Adam’s parents: Robert & Ethel Steinhardt. Robert is a prostate cancer survivor. Please help make cancer gain a few more enemies by providing your support with a tax deductible donation to my efforts. To donate by credit card, please visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jackiecacace Jackie Cacace resides on Staten Island, NY and works as a project manager for Morgan Stanley in Brooklyn. She enjoys running, baking and gardening. |
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