Thomas Davenport's Challenge

On December 13, 2006 I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. . .  In November,  I will join a three-month expedition to ski 750 miles to the South Pole and kite-ski back !

As a reasonably fit 46 year old, with no previous family history, my diagnosis came as a shock. Like most people,  this was a disease I had scarcely heard of (breast, lung and prostate - yes, but colon)?  Needless to say,  this is no longer the case.. .  Besides researching and then experiencing the various treatment options, I have also come to realize how INCREDIBLY PREVENTABLE colorectal cancer can be with regular SCREENING.

I had been planning on doing a Polar expedition prior to my diagnosis but the cancer did make me realize not to put off tomorrow, what you can do today.! So when I got the medical go-ahead last Spring, I thought it would be great to use the expedition as a way of leveraging attention about the importance of colorectal prevention awareness - I have chosen to  designate  the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada  as the beneficiary organization for those who wish to support my expedition - In addition,  my American friends and family are being asked to support this Endeavour by giving to the CCA in order  for both organizations to be able to continue to promote colorectal cancer awareness.  Thank you to my amazing personal support team : my wife, Gail, my son Ryan, my  parents, siblings and friends...my employer (for the time away) and the excellent medical care I received at MSKCC and the Sibley Hospital.  You have all helped make this  polar dream a reality!
 
Together, we will continue to make a difference and save lives !

Check out my web page for regular expedition updates at http://www.fromend2end.net . For more information about the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada ; www.colorectal-cancer.ca  (Donations can also be made by contacting Gail Grief at 1-877-50-COLON).