Randolph, Westphal, a German citizen, turned 49 years old last year. That, in itself, is a miracle, considering that in 1987 he was diagnosed with a terminal melanoma (skin cancer), when he had a bleeding birthmark removed. The cancer, the doctors told him, had spread, if he was lucky, he'd have a year to live. While many people in a similar position might give up on the spot, Westphal did the opposite. "I'm not dead. I 'm just a cancer patient, with hope," he declared before hopping on his bicycle and tackling the Alps.
That was the beginning of a bike tour that has taken him the equivalent of four times around the world -- or a total of 160,500 kilometers. At every stop, Westphal brings his message of hope to people in hospitals, universities, hospices and communities everywhere. "No one is a statistic," he tells them. "Everyone has to fight." His own inspiring story is proof of this statement.
Westphal is accompanied on his trek by his three faithful sled dogs; Chinook, who at one-year, is the offspring of Yukon, a ten-year-old malamute and Nanook, a three-year-old Siberian husky. The dogs keep him company and help to pull his bike over the tough spots, resting, when necessary on the flatbed trailer he pulls behind his bike.
It hasn't been an easy road for Westphal. He's endured over 66 operations -- 25 alone to remove malignant skin cancers. Still, anyone who has met him face-to-face will attest to his optimism and love of life. During his travels he has been:
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