Ken Malik – Santa Rosa, CA – Donation total: $6,182.40I’m celebrating not only my 70th birthday this year but also the 20th anniversary of my prostate cancer diagnosis in 1995. 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 for all these years. I think it’s incredibly important that organizations like the PAF continue to offer men free, patient driven information about prostate health and the reason I’m climbing once again. 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. What I have learned is that it’s the journey, not the destination that is what’s most important. Won’t you please support my efforts with a generous tax deductible donation to the PAF. Thanks for your support. 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. Please support my efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
Ralph Lake – Austin, TX – Donation total: $1,689.20Here I go again. This will be my 10th Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness. These climbs are a great way to spread the message. It seems like no family these days goes untouched by cancer. My father and four uncles were diagnosed with cancer and most recently three 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 fifteen years ago and he really has given me an education about prostate cancer. As a retiree, I don’t want to become another statistic. With the awareness I have gained about prostate health, I am taking a positive, proactive position in regard to prostate cancer prevention. I believe that awareness and personal action are key elements to prevention, early detection, and the early treatments that save lives. I’m an avid outdoorsman and I’m looking forward to this year’s climb and trek at Mt Baker, Washington. I had never considered myself a mountain climber before I got involved with PAF, 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 with a generous tax deductible donation. Thank you in advance for your participation. 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. Once again this year, Ralph will be one the expedition leaders. Please support my efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
Tom Lennon – San Francisco, CA – Donation total: $1,680I’m a six year veteran of prostate cancer. I’m happy to report that my prostate cancer has not progressed. In fact my latest biopsy conducted at UCSF Medical Center in 2014 could not provide a Gleason score as my tumors were undetectable. I feel fortunate that I was diagnosed with an early stage cancer before it had a chance to progress. This gave me a chance to adopt the PAF recommendations on how to take a pro-active approach to dealing with prostate cancer. I eat a plant based diet along with vitamins and supplements. I can credit these serious lifestyle changes with this good biopsy news! I have a partial knee replacement in both my knees. But a sensible exercise program allows me to continue my active lifestyle. I participate regularly on PAF Bay Area weekly hikes. I’ve also been an expedition member on the PAF climbs to Mt Shasta and Yosemite. I’m really looking forward to the Mt Baker expedition, seeing old friends and making new ones. Won’t you please support my efforts with a generous tax deductible contribution to the PAF. Men need to know that they can stall prostate cancer disease progression using the Prostate Awareness Foundation model. These expeditions are the primary fundraising event for the PAF and helps the Foundation continue its important work. Thanks for your support. Please support my efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
John and Matt Loesing – Agoura Hills, CA – Donation total: $1,080John Loesing: I am an original member of the Prostate Cancer Climb Expeditions. My father was diagnosed with the disease in his later years, and through the climbs and their educational outreach I saw a way to encourage other men, young and old, to become more proactive with their health. From Mt Aconcagua to Kilimanjaro, Mt Blanc, Cotopaxi and Mt Shasta, I’ve seen even those who are diagnosed with prostate cancer climbing hard and fighting back. It’s an inspiration. On Mt Baker our mission continues. Thank you for joining in and supporting this excellent cause. Matt Loesing: This will be my first climb with the Prostate Awareness Foundation. My father John has been on multiple expeditions with the PAF and I have long awaited the mountain we get to ascend together. My grandfather, a man for whom I hold great respect and admiration, was diagnosed with prostate cancer when I was a boy, and I remember his passing. I feel it’s a bit of a family legacy to explore the limits of our bodies and will to succeed. Whether it be surfing or climbing, I am currently building the foundation upon which I want to live my life as an adult. I’m walking the steady path to health and happiness. Fortunately, that path was paved by great men before me. This year, on Mt Baker, I will literally be following in my father’s footsteps. I look forward to the people I will meet, the memories I will make and the challenge of this year’s climb. Thank you in advance for your generous, tax-deductible support of the PAF. Please support our efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
Ron MacConnell – Staten Island, NY – Donation total: $1,320I can’t believe I’m still doing these Cancer Climb and Trek for Prostate Awareness expeditions at my age. 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. And it’s also a great way for me to stay in shape and encourage me to train regularly. 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 contribution. Thank you in advance for your participation. Ron is a retired educator and administrator for the NYC school system. He stays active by playing golf, running and going to the gym. Please support my efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
Dave Massen – San Francisco, CA – Donation total: $1,345This will be my second Cancer Climb and Trek for Prostate Awareness expedition. Last year I was part of the Yosemite High Country Climb and Trek and enjoyed it immensely. It’s wonderful to become closer friends with men who have helped me by sharing their experiences with prostate cancer, and to have the chance to enjoy the outdoors and physical exertion with them. Like most other men who are PAF members, I’ve adopted a whole foods, plant based diet, along with exercise and stress reduction, to control my early-stage prostate cancer, steps which have been validated by medical research. Based on my recent MRI and declining PSA, I believe I will never need surgery or radiation treatment so long as I continue this PAF protocol. This won’t be hard to do, since by following it I feel years younger and have experienced other physical benefits. Please support my efforts for the Prostate Awareness Foundation on the Mt Baker expedition this July with a generous, tax deductible contribution. It’s the primary fundraiser for the PAF this year. The PAF’s free information, referral and support program is uniquely valuable to men with prostate issues. Having access to cutting edge, patient driven information and the support and shared experiences of other men have both been indispensable in getting me to this peaceful and healthy point in my life. It can work for you or a loved one as well! Dave is retired from the U.S. Postal Service and active in the effort to curb global warming. Please support my efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
Rick Mohovich – Upper Saddle River, NJ – Donation total: $1,116I was diagnosed with prostate cancer eighteen years ago. 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. This will be my eleventh expedition with the PAF; they have all been memorable experiences. My son Shawn, daughter Lynette, son in law Curtis and daughter in law Lilli have participated in some of the past expedition. We have some great family memories to share from these adventures. Training for and participating in these expeditions has also 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 to Mt Baker in Washington State and 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 free, sane council and proactive advice on prostate health. Thank you in advance for your generous tax deductible contribution. Rick is a contractor in Northern New Jersey. He is a regular participant along with his son Shawn in “Make a Difference” an organization that helps repair and rebuild homes after disasters like Katrina and the Haitian Earthquake. Please support my efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
Darren Paul – British Columbia – Donation total: $2100My grandfather died from prostate cancer and many close family friends and patients have been diagnosed over the years as well. My father (my hero) was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1990 and then had a kidney removed due to cancer in 2011. He is a survivor, is still going strong and proves that the fight against cancer can be won. I’ve seen the devastating effects cancer has had on families in my practice. But I’ve also seen what happens when early detection and preventative measures are taken. With new research findings and improving technologies, it is a war that we will inevitably win. I hope that through our efforts, our expedition will increase awareness of prostate cancer. Our main objective is to raise money for research for the prevention, treatment and cure of prostate cancer through education and advocacy. The expeditions also allow prostate cancer survivors on our team to participate in a high mountain adventure. I look forward to the camaraderie and life-long friendships that develop as well as the excitement of being high up in the mountains. It brings me a sense of freedom that I can’t seem to get anywhere else. From my past experience, I know the climb will take a maximum amount of energy to reach the summit, but the exhilaration that comes with the hard work when finally reaching the mountain top is something everyone should have the opportunity to experience. Darren is a chiropractor practicing in British Columbia. He loves the outdoors and is active in many sporting activities. He successfully reached the summits of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Cotopaxi on the 2003 and 2009 Prostate Cancer Climbs. Please support my efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
Steve Swindell – Hingham, MA – Donation total: $2,650I first became aware of prostate cancer in 1993 when both my father and father-in-law were diagnosed with this epidemic disease in the same year. Fortunately with early detection and treatment they have both survived. My father, Murray participated in the first Cancer Climb for Prostate Awareness expedition to the Argentine Andes in 2001. We were all so proud of his achievement and I decided at that time that if the opportunity arose I would get involved in honor of my loved ones. Since that time I have been on the successful summit teams of both the El Misti and Cotopaxi expeditions. After a few years away from climbing I’m ready to rejoin the special brotherhood of climbers on the Mt Baker expedition in July. I know these climbs take a combination of peak physical condition, focus, courage, teamwork and patience but I look forward to the challenge. It’s always great to get away from the frenetic pace of everyday life, renew one’s communion with nature and see old friends and make new ones on these expeditions. Our goal first and foremost is to raise awareness about prostate health, how best to deal with prostate cancer if diagnosed. I have a great deal of respect for the PAF and its focus on helping men take a more pro-active posture when it comes to their prostate health. Thank you in advance for supporting my efforts with a generous tax-deductible contribution to the Prostate Awareness Foundation. Please support my efforts on this expedition with a tax deductible contribution. Following is a list of Donor Levels and Commemorative gifts: 1. Trailhead $40 Wallet card commemorating the climb with Keys to Prostate Health on the back 2. Base Camp $60 Mt Baker Expedition Patch 3. High Camp $150 All of the above, plus the name of a loved one dealing with cancer placed on the banner we carry to the summit. 4. Summit $250+ All of the above plus a commemorative memento of this year’s expedition to Yosemite 5. Expedition $ Donation in any amount to assist the PAF and it’s mission. You can donate by credit card by visiting Or if you would like to contribute by check please make it out to PAF and mail to: PAF, PO Box # 2934, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |