He’d been tired and short of breath for months, but it was a painful sinus infection that finally sent Bill Greubel to the emergency room. When the doctor uttered the word leukemia, Greubel shook his head and said, “No, I’m here with a sinus infection.” It was an unbelievable diagnosis for the then 49-year-old. “I didn’t know a thing about the disease, but I was frightened,” he says. “My primary thought was how to tell my four boys their dad has cancer.” Four years later, Greubel’s cancer is in remission, thanks to aggressive chemotherapy he received at Siteman Cancer Center.
Now, Greubel is doing his part to eradicate cancer forever by riding in Pedal the Cause (PTC), a cycling fundraising event Sept. 26 and 27 at The Chesterfield Amphitheater. He is one of seven ‘featured fighters’ in PTC’s Road to Pedal campaign. Their stories are on roadtopedal.org and will air on KMOV, which is a program partner. Since 2010, PTC has donated $9.36 million toward innovative cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Presenting sponsor Edward Jones and several other funding partners cover all expenses so all donations go directly to the cause. “With the bold model of using 100 percent of public donations to fund world-class cancer research, Pedal the Cause has quickly become the gateway to curing cancer— all cancers, for everyone,” says Jay Indovino, executive director of PTC. “Everyone can join the fight against cancer—with six different ride distances, a virtual rider option, and volunteer opportunities, there is truly something for everyone.”
Creating a world without cancer is more than a slogan for Greubel—it’s a mission. This year will be his third PTC; in his first two years, he rode 125 combined miles and raised more than $4,000. He participates, in part, to show his gratitude to Siteman Cancer Center. “From the busiest doctors to the people cleaning the rooms, each person was as nice as the next,” he says. “They aren’t obligated to have a smile or a good word, but I never found a person who was negative. The best medicine I received there was the people. They were so encouraging.”
Above all, however, Greubel says he rides for his brother, whose cancer diagnosis coincided with his own. The duo underwent treatment together, with younger brother Jim using humor to keep Greubel’s spirits up. “He would kid with everyone at Siteman about getting a family discount,” Greubel says. Sadly, Jim lost his battle just one month after Bill learned his cancer was in remission. “His disease was painful, but he was cracking jokes until a few days before he passed,” he says. “He was the glue that kept our family together. Every year when I train for Pedal the Cause, I think of Jim. It’s a time for me to focus on my brother and all the good that he brought to the world. It’s good therapy for me, and I know that what I’m doing is helping others.”
[Pedal the Cause (PTC), an annual cycling challenge benefiting research at Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, recently launched the Road to Pedal campaign to inspire people to give 100 percent to the fight against cancer. Pictured on the cover: Road to Pedal ‘featured fighters’ Dan Whelan, Curt and Beth Wilburn, Colin Schlereth, Alexander Kerford, Gail Nasgovitz, Bill Greubel and Bill Eades. To hear their stories or to register for PTC, visit RoadToPedal.org.]
Pictured: Bill Greubel and friend Rob Berra, who introduced him to Pedal the Cause