A Family that Rides Together, Makes Cancer Strides Together

It was January 2014 when Jeff Krieger joined the Board of Directors of the Breakthrough Bike Challenge – the official bike ride partner of Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Jeff’s friends had founded this organization to provide funding for young investigators engaged in cancer research at Penn Medicine. Jeff joined as an avid cyclist but just a few short weeks later the cause became even more personal when, to his shock, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Under the excellent care of Tom Guzzo, MD, MPH, Jeff underwent robotic surgery — an innovative, minimally-invasive treatment at the Abramson Cancer Center. Motivated and determined not to allow cancer to keep him from doing what he loves, Jeff, alongside his children and father, participated in the first Breakthrough Bike Challenge, which has since become an annual family tradition.

The 2016 Breakthrough Bike Challenge was especially meaningful for Jeff as it took place on Father’s Day and he was able to participate with his children as well as his father. Jeff recalled the overwhelming feeling of pride as he crossed the finish line of the 25-mile ride, “Imagine what a special treat it is to be able to cycle with your dad and children on Father’s Day! I had a lot to be thankful for – I had recovered from prostate cancer and my dad, at 84, was still physically and mentally sharp enough to tackle 25 hilly miles.”

Jeff and his family are looking forward to participating in the 2017 Breakthrough Bike Challenge on Sunday, September 17th. And his father is eager to join his son for another ride, “My dad already has that Sunday marked on his calendar. We’ve begun training and we’re grateful to be given the opportunity to participate as a family – it allows us to spend quality time together, while trying to put an end to cancer.