For a lot of people, crossing the finish line is more than just ending an event. It can represent the completion of a goal, an achievement of overcoming an obstacle or the accomplishment of something in life bigger than the event itself.
For Scott Pitcher (67), crossing the finish line at Grand Rapids Gran Fondo signified being alive and the journey of becoming healthy.
In January of 2021, Pitcher found out that he had a malignant tumor on his left kidney, the only kidney he was born with. A few months later in April of that year, he had his kidney removed, putting him on dialysis. While hoping to get on a kidney transplant list, he had to be cancer-free for two years.
Another setback occurred in 2022 when he had to go through chemotherapy to fight remaining cancer cells found in his lymph nodes, which reset his two-year clock. However, since that last treatment, Pitcher has been cancer-free.
Going through his treatment, Pitcher found a new dedication to his health. As an avid cyclist who had completed four Gran Fondos previously, when the Grand Rapids Gran Fondo was announced to return in 2023, he realized it was a challenge he not only wanted, but needed to take on.
Pitcher was among the 1400 cyclists who signed up to take on the Big Ride in downtown Grand Rapids. His goal was to finish the 40-mile ride, a feat he would do without a kidney.
“My training was limited due to dialysis, but I managed to get some miles in. I loved being a part of this great community event. I had many people pulling for me- family, friends and the staff at the dialysis center. My biggest challenge that day was every hill and incline on the course. I even took a wrong turn around the 20 mile mark and did an extra five miles! But I finished and was able to celebrate with family and friends at the post-race festivities,” Pitcher said of his experience.
When Pitcher crossed the finish line on that June 24 day, it represented not only finishing the 40-mile ride or even making it through without a kidney, but igniting the fight within him to continue on in his life and reach the overall goal of becoming cancer-free.
There was not a dry eye around as his wife Laura, his two sisters-in-law from Scotland, his oldest son Chris and his pregnant wife (carrying Pitcher’s first grandchild) welcomed him in at the finish.
Today, Pitcher remains in dialysis three times a week. However, he remains cancer-free and is three months away from reaching his two-year timeline. He will have a scan in April and if it’s clear, he will be able to get on the list for a kidney transplant.
“My other goal this year is to ride another Gran Fondo. Training can be challenging since dialysis takes so much out of me but I did it last year so I’m hoping for the best!”
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