9 Month Update

I can't believe that on March 30th it will be the 9 month anniversary of my surgery. It seems like a lifetime ago because of all the incredible things I have had the opportunity to do and fantastic people I have met as a result of my cancer. We have lost some very important folks in that time frame which keeps things in perspective. I will continue my work as an advocate and evangelist for prostate cancer awareness. Proactive screening is so important and I cannot stress how important a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) is beginning at age 40 with your annual physical.

I wanted to give everyone an update on my progress before I leave for vacation. Physically I am in the best shape of my life. Since my surgery I have lost 25lbs, can run 3.1 miles with ease and train 6 days a week (Swimming, Cycling, Running, Weight Training & Karate). My blood pressure had been 105/68 for a month. I will be getting my 6th month PSA test in a few weeks and will post the results. My incontinence is 99.98% better, I rarely have issues. My other male function has been slow to return, but is making progress. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Most other guys I talk with said it took a good year to totally heal so I am being patient. My wife and son have been so great through all this and I am really blessed to have them. God has really blessed my this past 9 months, its been an incredible experience, with highs and lows. I do appreciate all the emails, facebook post and tweets from twitter (see my daily twitter updates on the left column of this blog), you all have been great and I appreciate you helping me spread the word! Life is Good!

Michael Vinecki - Passing of a True Hero

It is with great sadness to inform you that on Thursday March 12th Michael Vinecki has passed on. He was a hero to me because we were around the same age and to see his courage through all of this was amazing. I met Michael and his family (I have Winter's autograph on my hat) last year at the Athletes for a Cure Triathlon and was truly inspired by his story and what his family has done in creating awareness and raising money for prostate cancer research. I was so inspired that I got off the couch after my surgery and ran a 5k race and am training for my first triathlon in April and have raised over $6k of money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. He will truly be missed by a lot of people but left behind a wonderful legacy that will help save lives into the future and beyond. Please join me in praying for his family through this difficult time and that he will keep his hand on them as they continue this journey we call life. I promise to keep fighting for the cause in Michael's memory and will "Never Give In".

Here are the arrangements:

Visitation: Michael will be shown at his home on Wednesday March 18, 2009
Address: 514 Camp Ten Road
Gaylord, MI
Time: 3pm-8pm
Visitation will also preceed the Funeral Service at Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2009
Time: 2pm-4pm

Funeral Service at Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2009
Time: 4pm
In lieu of Flowers, a college fund has been established for the Vinecki children through Northwestern Bank. Please contact the Funeral Home for any further details at
989-732-1770