Sailing has been a part of Rich Stearns鈥 life for as long as he can remember.
Raised in a sailing family, Stearns grew up surrounded by some of the sport鈥檚 most accomplished competitors, including his father, Richard Irving Stearns III, an Olympic medalist, world champion, renowned sailmaker and cofounder of the Lands鈥 End company. His upbringing led Stearns to see sailing as more than a pastime 鈥 it became a lifelong passion.
鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing quite like steering the boat, feeling the wind and making the boat move fast along the water,鈥 he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e working with Mother Nature to make things go fast.鈥
This summer, at age 71, Stearns took on the . One of the sport鈥檚 most demanding challenges, the 333-mile race started July 10. Competing alongside his 77-year-old teammate, Jorgen Johnsson, Stearns finished second in his section and 35th overall.
It was his 52nd time competing in the iconic challenge. However, this year wasn't just about navigating Lake Michigan. He also raised funds and awareness for prostate cancer care and research at Rush. For Stearns, the cause was personal.
Nearly a decade ago, he learned he had prostate cancer after a screening at 海角原创 revealed changes in his prostate-specific antigen levels. Following his diagnosis, Stearns worked closely with urologist , to understand his options and chart a path forward.
A diagnosis leads to a changed perspective
Like many patients facing a cancer diagnosis, Stearns looked into several different treatment options. He ultimately underwent surgery and additional treatment outside of Rush before returning for other portions of his care.
Along the way, he discovered that navigating prostate cancer often involves difficult decisions and uncertainty about what comes next.
鈥淵ou don鈥檛 know what鈥檚 in front of you,鈥 Stearns said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 know what you鈥檙e going to have to go through. You don鈥檛 know if you鈥檙e going to die.鈥
The experience changed his perspective. Rather than putting life on hold, Stearns focused on the things that mattered most to him. He poured his energy into restoring a sailboat that many would鈥檝e considered beyond repair. Working on the vessel became both a distraction and a reminder to keep moving forward.
鈥淚 kept telling myself, 鈥榊ou better do the things you want to do,鈥欌 Stearns said. 鈥溾榃aiting around doesn鈥檛 accomplish anything.鈥欌
Quality care leads to devoted support
Today, Stearns continues to undergo regular monitoring. His diagnosis and treatment reinforced the importance of staying informed, advocating for yourself and seeking expert care.
鈥淭hanks to advances in treatment and the dedication of outstanding doctors and researchers, I am still able to pursue the activities I love, including competing in one of America鈥檚 great endurance races,鈥 Stearns said.
Stearns remains deeply appreciative of the physicians at Rush who helped guide him through critical moments in his cancer diagnosis and treatments, as well as other health challenges, including joint replacement surgeries. The care he has received played a significant role in his decision to fundraise for Rush through his participation in this year鈥檚 Race to Mackinac.
For Stearns, supporting Rush means helping advance research, patient care and the expertise that gives patients confidence when they need it most.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e going to support something, support the people who are doing great work,鈥 he said.
Setting sail and raising awareness
Just as important as supporting research and care at Rush, Stearns hopes his fundraising sparks conversations about prostate cancer, which he firmly believes happens far too infrequently.
Stearns has seen firsthand how hesitation and embarrassment can prevent people from asking potentially lifesaving questions or seeking screenings.
鈥淏eing diagnosed doesn鈥檛 mean your life is over,鈥 Stearns said. 鈥淐hances are you鈥檙e going to be fine. Get screened, learn about what it means, get a second opinion and make the decision that鈥檚 right for you.鈥
That message remained at the heart of Stearns' Race to Mackinac journey.
He and his teammate competed in the event鈥檚 demanding double-handed division, which requires two sailors to manage the boat around the clock with little sleep and no breaks. The challenge is significant, particularly for competitors in their seventies.
Stearns knew the race would bring uncertainty. But as he prepared to leave Chicago鈥檚 harbor and head north toward Mackinac Island, he also knew the long nights, fatigue and ever-changing weather conditions would all be a part of the journey.
In many ways, for Stearns, that unpredictability mirrors the experience of living with cancer.
When he crossed the finish line, Stearns had raised $5,750 to support prostate cancer care and research at Rush. He remains hopeful that his efforts and message will lead someone to schedule a screening or to feel less alone.
鈥淢y teammate and I hope to demonstrate that a cancer diagnosis does not have to define your future,鈥 Stearns said. 鈥淒reams can still be pursued.鈥
Your gift fuels the discoveries that lead to better treatments and faster breakthroughs 鈥 giving hope to more people facing prostate cancer. Every donation helps support research, treatment, education and hope for patients and their families. To make a donation, please visit .
