By Kris Rhodes- LIVESTRONG Seattle Challenge Participant

My immediate connection to cancer is that every member of my extended family (grandparents, parents, uncles, nieces, etc.) except my mother and sister have had skin cancer at some point. My strongest connection, though, is through Gavin Kenna and Owain Weinert; Gavin who has since passed on and Owain who is currently fighting leukemia. Gavin was someone who I thought as being very similar to me, and his sudden loss was difficult to come to grips with as it very easily could have been any of my friends – or me. He inspired me to live life to the fullest and be everything I knew I could be, plus so much more. In two short years, his inspiration has led me half way around the world, living the life I had always aspired to live but thought was too impossible to attain.

Owain, still in primary school, is a reminder that cancer knows no age, gender nor race; it affects us all, and that only together can we beat this horrible affliction that continues to plague the young and old alike. Without the help of every person – the researchers, fundraisers and supporters – life would yield a much bleaker perspective for him. His infectious smile, energy, cheeky grin and sense of humor is always a source of joy. Together with brother Dylan, mum Heather and dad Alex, they made my Christmas of 2009 – a Christmas that, while I was half way around the world from my parents and family, would not have been such a happy and joyous occasion had it not been for Owain, family and friends. He is a living reminder that we’re all in this together, and that together we can beat cancer.

Kris Rhodes is participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge Seattle and is from Australia. He’ll be riding the 100-mile course next weekend on a fixed-gear bike. Kris is fighting cancer by raising awareness and fundraising to support LIVESTRONG programs and initiatives. Are you up for the Challenge? Join Kris at the LIVESTRONG Challenge Seattle or check out the other events we have going on around the country. Register today!