So, here I am again starting on a new adventure. A new Alpe d'HuZes season. It wasn't orginally in the planning. After 2010 & 2011 I had decided to stop as a participant but Ineke asked me if would continue, and to be honest, it didn't take much convincing. So here I am, #29, preparing for a new journey that will bring us back to an old friend, on the 7th of June 2012. The Alpe holds no surprises for me and its not the reason I continue to ride in this event. I know that if I prepare properly, I can climb 6 times in one day. That is not arrogance, just belief in my own abilities.

My reasons for riding are much more important than my own personal achievements. I have a mission, and my mission is to change the way the world percieves cancer patients. Patients like me.
Recently I have thought a lot about the last 8 years. Maybe its because the new AD6 season is starting up, maybe because I have lost friends around me, to cancer. Whatever the reason, reflecting on what has happened since 2003, gives me a feeling of empowerment.

Thinking back 8 years to Bangkok and hearing from the specialists that I had 15% chance to live 5 years...and looking how far I have come. Yes I am gratefull, thankfull and very lucky. But I am also proud. Proud because it hasn't come easily. I have had to fight for every inch.

I have a beautiful suportive wife and a lovely daughter who knows nothing other than that her father lives with cancer.

But things have come full circle and I have discovered the balance in my life. Balance that I didn't have before I became sick. Two dates are important to me now, 14-feb-2003, the date of my diagnose and 31-aug-2011, the date that I stopped being a patient. An emotional moment which I spent visiting my Thai specialist in Bangkok together with Ineke and Noa. It was also an important step forward. I no longer identify myself as patient, but I do relate to them and that is why I ride.

For anybody who reads this..... the message is clear. Cancer patients are just like you. They are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends and collegues who must deal with an extrordinary disease. A disease that we are slowly understanding, but we have a long way to go. Please support us so one day we can say.