My name is Ben Burghout and I’m a Prostate Cancer Survivor.

The main reason I’m here today is because of the PSA Test.  Here’s my story.

My annual physical always consisted of a physical prostate exam.  Yes, the old rubber glove. No fun but necessary because of issues I was having.  The main problem was frequent urination, especially at night.  The physical exams always provided normal results.  I just turned 58 years old and it was about a week before my annual physical was scheduled.  I was up again and unable to go back to sleep. So, as my custom, I went downstairs and channel surfed on the TV. I was surfing along dazedly when I, and I don’t know why, stopped on some obscure channel I’d never watched before.  As I sat there, eyes half shut, I heard the word prostate!  That got my attention and I started watching.  They spoke of a blood test for prostate cancer and how all men aged 50 and older should get it.  I made a mental note and went back to bed not realizing that the commercial had just saved my life.

At my physical the following week and after getting an all clear on the physical prostate check, I asked my Doctor about this blood test for prostate cancer.  He said “Oh, the PSA Test!  It’s not always reliable but sure.”  It was a day or two after my PSA test that my Doctor himself called me, which he had never done before or has since.  He said he needed to see me right away.  No need for an appointment, just show up and I’d be shown right in.  Rather ominous I remember thinking.  I remember looking at his worried expression when He told me my PSA test came back very high and that he wanted to schedule another one.  He wouldn’t look me in the eye.  He knew He had dropped the ball.

The second PSA test confirmed there was a problem and I was sent to a Surgeon.  He ordered a prostate biopsy.  Ten out of twelve samples came back cancerous.  Because of my age, the Surgeon recommended a radical prostatectomy.  The rest is history.  I survived and continue to be cancer-free.

The money raised by Ride For Dad events goes to Research and Awareness.  Research is obviously important but my life was saved by that Awareness Informercial.

I sometimes wonder what guided me that night to go downstairs, turn on the TV, to surf and stop on that obscure channel at the precise time that prostate commercial was on.  Wasn’t my time?  Fate? Luck? Divine Intervention? Perhaps my late Mom was still looking after me.

I am 67 years old now and cancer-free.

If you are 40 years of age or older, get a PSA Test.  It just might save your life.  It saved mine.

On May 2, 2019 the Niagara Ride lost one of its own. passed away after a long and courageous battle. Chuck was very involved with the Motorcycle Ride for Dad, his cancer was not Prostate Cancer but in his own words in a 2015 Niagara Falls Review article “I don’t have prostate cancer per se, but cancer is cancer. Anything you can do to help the battle, you have to try to do. I’ve had some awfully good care from doctors and nurses over the years.”

Chuck and his wife Lori were regulars at the Motorcycle Ride for Dad Fundraisers and BBQ’s and of course the rides. Chucks battle made it difficult to continue to ride a motorcycle so he exchanged the two wheels for a 1923 Bucket T. He was always up front and stepped in to give our Honorary Ride Captains a ride in the “Bucket”.

Chuck achieved the level of Diamond in the Motorcycle Ride for Dad Captains club meaning that he personally raised over $15 000. In 2016 Chuck was the top pledge earner for the Niagara Motorcycle Ride for Dad.

Chuck always had a smile on his face even when many of us knew that his body was not smiling on the inside. His attitude and outlook on life was one that many of us can use as an example of true grit.

Since his passing Chuck’s family have formed Team Chuck in memory of him and proudly continue the tradition of collecting pledges and being involved in the ride.

Chuck you will be missed. Please put in a good word for us on Ride Day.

For the first 12 years with The Ride For Dad, I rode my ’86 Harley Davidson FLST Heritage Softail, red and cream

For the last 8 years I have ridden my 2012 Harley Davidson FatBoy Lo, flat black.

My ride 2014 Heritage Softail. Day ride to Carmen, Winkler, Morden, Elm Creek and Oakville. Back to Groose Isle. 350 km.

Mike on his 2012 Yamaha Stratoliner Galaxy.