Community News 10/03/08
News anchor goes the extra mile for Cancer Patient Care
By Craig Howard
News Editor

It was on Day 20 that Dave Erickson finally hit the wall.

At the start of September, the KXLY news anchor set out to complete 30 triathlons in 30 days, an ambitious campaign dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Cancer Patient Care, a local nonprofit agency that has supported low-income cancer patients and their families since 1958.

The feat would involve finishing a “sprint triathlon” – consisting of a half-mile swim, 13-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run – on a daily basis, an agenda that amounted to twice the exercise Erickson would schedule in his normal routine.
About two-thirds of the way to his goal, Erickson began to sputter.

“I asked a friend for advice and was reminded of the cause,” Erickson said. “I remembered why I was doing it and who I was helping. Besides, this is easy compared to what a cancer patient has to go through.”

Erickson resumed his mission of fitness without missing a day.

By the time September was over, Erickson had achieved his objective, even competing in a half-Iron Man (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run) along the way.

In addition to generating money for CPC, Erickson wanted to bring attention to the role of exercise in the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society has stated that 85 percent of all cancer deaths could be avoided through a combination of consistent exercise, regular screenings, avoiding tobacco products and a healthy diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

While Erickson was biking, running and swimming through September, he challenged others to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, the same recommendation for adults from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“My hope is to let people know about the importance of health and wellness,” Erickson said.

Earlier this year, it was another triathlete, 52-year-old Larry Halverson, who competed in the Couer d’Alene Iron Man event to support CPC. Halverson, who had never participated in a triathlon before, lost 50 pounds training to complete to 140-mile North Idaho course.

Erickson talked to Halverson at the Iron Man in June, then after playing for the KXLY team at Hoopfest, decided to call CPC with his idea for “30 in 30.”

“My initial thought was, “Wow, what a cool idea,’” said CPC Executive Director Cliff Evans. “It’s one person finding a way to make a positive difference – that exemplifies what has kept Cancer Patient Care around for 50 years.”

Erickson, who played football at Wentachee Valley Community College and Washington State University and soccer at Spokane Community College, participated in his first triathlon in 1998 “as a way to keep that competitive edge.”

His focus on goal setting took shape after taking a class at WSU in time management.

“It was the first time I realized how much time I was wasting during the day,” Erickson said. “I realized I didn’t want to look back and realize how much I could have done – I wanted to make the most of my time.”

Part of that approach includes contributing time to programs like the United Way, Childrens Miracle Network and Volunteers of America, hosting fund-raising events that broadcast the impact an average person can have on a valuable cause.

“It’s important for me to contribute to the community I live and work in,” Erickson said. “I feel it’s a responsibility.”

Erickson said he drew inspiration from the story of Lance Armstrong, the world-champion cyclist who overcame prostate cancer to become an impassioned spokesperson in the battle against the disease. Erickson wears Armstrong’s trademark “Live Strong” wristband and had his “30 in 30” T-shirts designed in the cyclist’s signature yellow.

“I was really impressed with his ‘never give up’ attitude,” Erickson said.

A few years ago, the Lance Armstrong Foundation awarded a grant to support CPC. Erickson decided he could make a difference “by getting more people involved.”

“I had seen how Lance’s foundation had helped locally,” he said. “I wanted to help bring more awareness.”

CPC continues to provide a wide range of services, at no charge, to low-income cancer patients and their families including free mammograms, counseling, help with transportation, medications and groceries as well as prosthetics. Erickson, whose grandfather is currently fighting cancer, said a major part of his campaign was to get the word out about all CPC has to offer.