Randolph, Westphal, a German citizen, turned 49 years old last year. That, in itself, is a miracle, considering that in 1987 he was diagnosed with a terminal melanoma (skin cancer), when he had a bleeding birthmark removed. The cancer, the doctors told him, had spread, if he was lucky, he'd have a year to live. While many people in a similar position might give up on the spot, Westphal did the opposite. "I'm not dead. I 'm just a cancer patient, with hope," he declared before hopping on his bicycle and tackling the Alps.
That was the beginning of a bike tour that has taken him the equivalent of four times around the world -- or a total of 160,500 kilometers. At every stop, Westphal brings his message of hope to people in hospitals, universities, hospices and communities everywhere. "No one is a statistic," he tells them. "Everyone has to fight." His own inspiring story is proof of this statement.
Westphal is accompanied on his trek by his three faithful sled dogs; Chinook, who at one-year, is the offspring of Yukon, a ten-year-old malamute and Nanook, a three-year-old Siberian husky. The dogs keep him company and help to pull his bike over the tough spots, resting, when necessary on the flatbed trailer he pulls behind his bike.
It hasn't been an easy road for Westphal. He's endured over 66 operations -- 25 alone to remove malignant skin cancers. Still, anyone who has met him face-to-face will attest to his optimism and love of life. During his travels he has been:
- hit by an recreational vehicle in Oregon
- had encounters wolves and snakes
- attacked by a bear
- targeted by a mugger
In Argentina, he was hit by an 18-wheeler. Left to die by the side of the road, he ended up in a coma for two weeks. He lost his first dog in the accident, and almost severed his leg, ending up with a pronounced limp. He also lost his memory, using journals and photos to help him rediscover his past bike routes. Because of this terrible tragedy, he had to put off his travels in 1996, taking up where he'd left off in October, 2001.
He met love along the way, but knew that his lifestyle made it impossible to maintain a relationship.
Westphal is sponsored by the Quebec Cancer Foundation, Wolfskin, Bria Bike Co., Artlieb Outdoor Equipment and Best Western Hotels supply him with a free room where ever he his. This does not add up to much, so he depends on donations from the people he meets on his travels.
Westphal ends his incredible journey this year -- no longer able to keep up the grueling pace he has maintained for for so many years. He had been and continues to be a powerful inspiration for everyone, and especially for cancer patients and survivors.
In his words: The greatest gift God gave us is the Gift of Life. The greatest loss is to return (it) unopened."
Julie Burtinshaw - Julie is the Reading and Literature and Writing and Publishing Editor for Suite101.com. She is also the author of five books and is ...
