Richie Stearns Races Chicago Mackinac for Prostate Cancer Research
“I’m taking on one of the toughest challenges of my life: racing double-handed in the Chicago Mackinac Race at 71 years old on my J/105 with a fried- Jorgen Johnsson. Sailing short-handed requires hyper-vigilance, resilience, and the ability to face the elements head-on. But I am navigating these waters for a cause that is far more daunting than any storm: raising awareness and money for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, yet it is shrouded in silence. Men simply don’t talk about it. In fact, very few people even know what the prostate does (for the record, it’s a walnut-sized gland responsible for producing seminal fluid, vital for male fertility). Because it sits quietly below the bladder, changes often go unnoticed until it is too late.
We need to change the conversation, break the silence, and save lives. Here is what every man— and the people who love them— needs to know:
1. How to Monitor It: Early Detection is Key
Prostate cancer often has zero symptoms in its early stages. You cannot wait until you “feel sick” to check. Routine screening should begin at age 50 for men at average risk, and as early as age 40 or 45 for black men or those with a family history of the disease. Monitoring relies on two simple tests:
– PSA Blood Test: A quick blood draw that measures Prostate-Specific Antigen levels.
– Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A quick physical exam to check for abnormal bumps or hard areas.
2. If Cancer is Found: Knowing the Options
A prostate cancer diagnosis is terrifying, but it is not a death sentence. Depending on how fast the cancer is growing, men have several paths forward:
– Active Surveillance: Because many prostate cancers grow incredibly slowly, doctors often recommend closely monitoring the cancer with regular tests rather than rushing into treatment, avoiding unnecessary side effects.
– Localized Treatments: If the cancer demands action, options like surgery (prostatectomy) or radiation therapy are highly effective at targeting and eliminating the disease.
– Advanced Therapies: If the cancer spreads, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy offer powerful ways to slow its progression and manage the disease.
How You Can Help
I am racing to ensure that no man or boy has to suffer from this disease— or, if they do, that it is caught early enough to be cured.
Please consider supporting my journey. Your donation will bring vital visibility, funding, and hope to prostate cancer research and awareness programs at Rush University Medical Center.
https://give.rush.edu/campaign/776315/donate?c_src=A26MAMZWAL
Beyond financial support, I ask you to do one thing today: talk to the men in your life. Ask them if they’ve had their PSA checked. Let’s break the silence together.
I will be posting updates on my preparations for the race, and you can watch the race progress (not video) live on the web during the race. Weather and Phone reception, I will be updating you on our progress during the race.”
With gratitude,
Rich Stearns