Why We Ride

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.

My name is Brent McFadzen, and I have been part of Motorcycle Ride For Dad Saskatoon since 2018.

For me, being able to combine a passion for riding, together with the ability to help raise funds for Prostate Cancer Research and Awareness is fantastic.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated executive group, with a wide variety of skills that blend together very well.

Our ultimate goal is to provide each and every participant in our events with the best possible experience – and to position ourselves as a well-respected leader within the local charitable community.

Given the significant impact that COVID has had on our ability to provide our traditional one-day event, we have been able to pivot our fundraising strategies, and develop new and exciting ways to engage with our supporters electronically, and via social media.

As to why I ride, about 5 years ago my attention was brought to the ride (the Rural AB Ride at the time) because I work for Telus.  They wanted some local representation there for the ride.  After that, it became my annual “big ride” event.  About a year after I started going regularly, a close family friend was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.  He was diagnosed early and beat it easily due mainly to the early diagnosis.  This cemented my desire to support this charity, and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Last year, I participated in the 2^nd Red Deer Ride for Dad and was approached by the Ride Chairperson, who asked if I wanted to take a more direct role by joining the executive council.  I agreed.

My name is Trever Sparrow and when I first got involved with Ride for Dad in 2015, it was a way for me to give back to my community and to do my part to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer.  Being an avid motorcycle rider is much more than a hobby for me because of the feeling of freedom, comradery among other enthusiasts, and the sense of community that I get.  I have met some of the most amazing people because of riding motorcycles.

Little did I know that my involvement with Ride for Dad would come full circle when in November 2019 and at the age of 44, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer.  Now, as a survivor of Prostate Cancer, being involved with The Ride for Dad brings extra special meaning to the cause we serve.

Luckily for me, I had no signs/symptoms but because of early detection through the PSA blood test, I am proof that early detection is the key to treating Prostate Cancer and continuing to live a long and fulfilling life.  To all the husbands, fathers, sons, uncles, and brothers, get the blood test.  It’s a simple test that will save your life.  #getthebloodtest

The first thing that drew me in was that I love motorcycles and my dad used to ride so my interest was peaked! When I learned more about the cause, raising awareness and funds to find a cure for prostate cancer, I knew I had to do more because of the number of men I had in my life. I also realized we weren’t talking about prostate cancer and I wanted to help change that. Since I have become an executive, prostate cancer has affected a few men that I know. I was able to help by providing information about treatments and support groups. I’m involved because I want to help to find a cure and provide awareness.

I am an educational assistant but have been a stay-at-home mom for a couple years now. I have two children, Logan who is 13, and Ally who is soon to be 11. We are a huge sports family with football being our favorite! I enjoy the outdoors and love being up at the cabin and out on the lake fishing. My other hobbies include cooking and baking cakes. I love entertaining and spending time with family and friends are my favorite ways to make memories. I’m always up for a party!

Why I ride:   Freedom & Camaraderie.   Riding with friends and strangers but still alone with your thoughts.

Why I Ride For Dad:  Because I believe a dozen Canadian men don’t need to die every day from Prostate cancer.

Because I believe in the overwhelming power of a large group of people pursuing a single goal.

Because I believe Prostate Cancer can someday be beaten.

Because I believe that the Ride For Dad is the organization to get us there.