Movember Cyclists Live Strong

Regular visitors to the Daily Cycle facebook page may have already read my Movember inspired article on facial hair in cycling. Chris Brewer understands more than most the need to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the other cancers that affect men.  Having been successfully treated for testicular cancer in 1996 he now works for LIVESTRONG and is a keen cyclist, having enjoyed the odd ride with a famous Texan…

What’s your background - how did you get into cycling and what is your role at LIVESTRONG?

I got into cycling as a result of coming back from chemotherapy.  I started walking, then had to choose between running or cycling to get to the next level (and I hated running).  So I bought a Schwinn 10 speed and started pedalling... that lead to me joining a local club / team and eventually racing at the amateur level at the tender age of 34... I am a very experienced recreational cyclist, have been the president of clubs and teams, and have 13 years experience in professional cycling as a team journalist for all of Lance’s teams.  My role at LIVESTRONG is in communications on the fundraising side of the house, generating lots of content from written to video and photography.  A dream job!

How did you feel when you were told you had testicular cancer? What it was like to fight (and beat) the disease – did cycling help your recovery?

I was fortunate in that I was able to quickly ascertain that my chances for a full recovery were quite high (although not guaranteed, of course).  I had to endure a relatively short, but quite difficult course of treatments: 2 surgeries (including one large abdominal one, over 7 hours on the table) and then 6 weeks of chemotherapy.  Walking was about my only available level of exercise at the time, but I was on the bike literally weeks after treatment ended.

How was LIVESTRONG able to help you (or people like you)?

There was no LIVESTRONG when Lance and I were diagnosed, and as one of the original folks – back when we had one employee and the rest of us were volunteers – I have had the honour of seeing us grow into a world class organization that provides a platform for advocacy in the fight against cancer, as well providing direct services to people going through the cancer experience. 

Have you done any riding with Lance?

I am very fortunate to call Lance a friend, and we have had quite a few adventures together over the years.  My best memory was being on the 2003 Tour of Hope team that rode across America with Lance.  At 40 years old I was in the best cycling shape of my life, and rode proudly side by side with him into Washington DC, it was quite the experience!

Why have you decided to grow a mo for Movember? Anyone else taking part from Livestrong? 

Almost all of the men on staff grew Mo’s, as Movember has become such a solid partner for LIVESTRONG.  I do it because it’s one of my main projects for the year, and also because I believe so much in the cause of men’s health issues.  We’ve just announced a 3-year deal with Movember where we’ll be their official cancer survivorship partner, and I expect great things to come from that.  As for the Mo, I will be emceeing the Denver Gala Saturday night, and mine will be gone immediately after – until next year, of course.

What would you say to anyone who was going through what you did in 1996?

Knowledge truly is power, and a positive attitude is huge.  You need to be part of your medical team and believe that you’re going to fight like hell.  Then surround yourself with the best medical team you can, and people who will help you through the experience.

What can LIVESTRONG and Movember offer?

LIVESTRONG is here to help, whether that’s through our own resources (www.livestrong.org/get-help) or through our great partners like Movember.  We can all make a difference, even if it’s just by growing a moustache!

Photos courtesy of Chris Brewer and http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronswilliams

You can still donate to the Andy Ward Movember fundraising page here.