Andy Olanoff’s first few Prouties were just about biking. But as he learned more about the Cancer Center, he became a passionate fundraiser and a staunch believer in the mission of the Prouty community to help save lives. He’s especially hopeful about research. And that’s because he’s been battling metastatic prostate cancer for over twenty years. He’s currently in a clinical trial, and knows that research is the best and only hope he has for a cure.

Jothy Rosenberg was 16 when a diagnosis of osteocarcoma led to amputation of his right leg. Three years later, when the cancer came back, he was told his chance of survival was zero. He spent the last 48 years proving them wrong. Early on, Jothy learned the healing power of athletics, and has inspired athletes of all abilities by making cycling, swimming and skiing a major part of his life. For him, the Prouty is the perfect way to combine his passion for sports and his devotion to help and inspire others facing cancer.

In 2013, Vicky Fish saw the devastation cancer can bring to a family when her brother-in-law Rachid died of stomach cancer. And just last year, she felt the pain losing her dear friend Celia to ovarian cancer. But Vicky also knows that there is hope. Thanks to the care she received at Dartmouth, she overcame two separate cancer diagnoses in the last few years. She knows she’s at risk for more cancer in the future. But she also knows that at Dartmouth, she’s in the best possible hands.

As one of our amazing surgeons at Dartmouth Cancer Canter, Dr. Richard Barth has dedicated his life to helping patients win their battles with cancer and advancing cancer research. His Prouty is also personal. Both his father and father-in-law were provided with expert care at Dartmouth when they fought cancer. This year, Richard also celebrated a cancer milestone of his own. In 2023, he was diagnosed with a rare olfactory neuroblastoma. One year after finishing treatment, he was thrilled to be able to get on his bike and ride 100 miles to fund research and improve care for cancer patients everywhere.

Heidi Allen Goodrich’s first Prouty was seven years ago, just after she joined our staff as volunteer and creative services manager, and she immediately fell in love with this community. That affection only deepened when she received her own diagnosis of ocular melanoma three years ago. Thankfully, her cancer is gone, but she now knows the anxiety and fear that remains even after treatment is over, and is so grateful for her team at Dartmouth Cancer Center for helping her through every step.

Hale Irwin has been a part of the Prouty community ever since his mom was diagnosed with cancer and treated at Dartmouth almost 40 years ago. Since then, he’s ridden for her and for many others he’s loved and lost to cancer, including his former wife Sharon and his friend Mark, who passed this year. To this day, his bike is covered with the names of those he and his donors are honoring. Those names serve as a stark reminder for Hale that although things have gotten much better since his mom was diagnosed, there’s still a lot of work to do. And he knows the Prouty is one way he can help.

In 2016, Carolyn Szoc’s husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. For the next seven years, he received expert care at Dartmouth that enabled him to live life to the fullest while he battled his cancer. For Carolyn and her family, those seven years meant her husband was there to give his daughter away at her wedding and to meet his only grandchild. He passed away in October 2023. Carolyn and her family Prouty’d on what would have been her husband’s 73rd birthday, to honor his legacy and give back to the incredible team at Dartmouth that treated him with compassion and respect.

Dr. Greg Tsongalis has dedicated the last 35 years of his life to conducting cancer research. In that time, he’s been amazed and inspired by the breakthroughs that have changed and saved the lives of so many. And that impact isn’t only felt here in the Upper Valley. Dartmouth research affects patients around the world – including Honduras, where Greg’s lab has done significant work to help women combat cervical cancer. Greg knows as well as anyone that breakthroughs are made possible because of hours and hours in the lab… and because of passionate and determined people outside the lab. He walks in the Prouty because he knows that’s one way to make sure researchers at Dartmouth can continue to spread hope and knowledge throughout the world.

In 2021, Jennifer Durgin had a seizure while she was taking a shower. She woke up in the ER and quickly learned that she had a cancerous tumor in her brain. Her surgeon at Dartmouth removed as much as he could without impacting her language or emotional centers, but there was still some left. Thankfully, due to the expert care she received, it could be 20 years or more before she needs treatment again. After her surgery, Jennifer learned that Prouty Pilot funds were crucial in at least two research projects that played a role in her treatment. She is living proof of the power of the Prouty, and she couldn’t be more grateful.

Honored his family and friends who have faced cancer, and the fear that comes along with a cancer diagnosis. Keith’s yellow ribbon represented his hope to create a healthier future for his children and grandchildren.

Honored her mom, Lisa, who battled breast cancer and passed away at 45 years old. Olive’s yellow ribbon symbolized her mom’s care at Dartmouth, and her own commitment to help find a cure so no one loses their mom at a young age.

Prouty-ed for many years in honor of others, and this year, he participated for his own cancer journey. Darrell’s yellow ribbon celebrated the medical professionals and the love he feels from The Prouty community.

Celebrated her 20th Prouty, which is impressive as she is only 20 years old. Bridget’s yellow ribbon honored her grandmothers, the family tradition of The Prouty, and her commitment to keep coming back to The Prouty to spread hope to all impacted by cancer.

Honored his lymphoma journey and his wife Mary’s breast cancer journey. Lennie’s yellow ribbon symbolized the immense gratitude they both have for the life-saving care they received at Dartmouth, and his commitment to keep Prouty-ing.

Honored her own cancer journey when she was 19 years old, and the patients she cares for today as a beloved nurse at Dartmouth Cancer Center. Carissa’s yellow ribbon honored every survivor and every patient, and the people who make their journeys a little easier.

When Emory Sanders was first diagnosed with melanoma, his oncologist at Dartmouth Cancer Center told him that if it happened four years ago, he would recommend hospice care. But now, there’s a cure. That was the day Emory and his daughter Lydia understood the power of research. They’re here today because they know that at Dartmouth, Emory is getting the best possible care not only in the Northeast, but anywhere in the world. And when it comes to family, nothing is more important than that.

Celebrated reaching the goal he set one year ago while inpatient with a rare leukemia: walking The Prouty in 2023. Jim’s yellow ribbon symbolized his gratitude for the care he received and every person at Dartmouth who supported him.

Celebrated her breast cancer journey and the new friends and community she found with her CReWbies through The Prouty. Becky’s yellow ribbon represents her hope that one day, every cancer, no matter how advanced, will have a cure.

Honored Aunt Gail’s 10-year battle with cancer and her determination to help find a cure for future patients. Troy and Val’s yellow ribbons celebrated Gail’s legacy and their commitment to bring hope to everyone facing cancer.

Jacky Dick’s sister, Caroline, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year. Pancreatic cancer hides itself, and Caroline spent several months seeing doctors and undergoing tests before they finally found her tumor. Unfortunately, by then, it was too late. Chemotherapy and radiation were unsuccessful and the cancer spread into her stomach. Caroline lost her battle thirteen days ago, just a few weeks after her 60th birthday. During her sister’s illness, Jacky worked hard to raise money for the Prouty, here at home and in London, where Caroline lived. Her hope is that the research we fund can help improve early detection of invisible cancers like the one that claimed her sister. Her yellow ribbon honors Caroline and represents the many of us who’ve lost people we love, and who are determined to help others survive.

For twenty years, Marilyn Williams worked as a physical therapist and manager in the rehabilitation department at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where she provided compassionate care to her patients. When she retired, her personal interactions with patients stopped, but her connection with Dartmouth ‐ and her passion for helping patients – remained strong. Which is why she’s been a proud cyclist and team captain of The Wonder Women for the Prouty ever since. She knows that raising money for research is the best way she can help improve how we prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. It’s the best way she can help create more survivors. The yellow ribbon Marilyn holds represents her continued commitment to help patients at Dartmouth Cancer Center beat cancer...and around the world.

Some of the veteran riders out there may recognize Dani Ligett as one of the people who motivates cyclists as part of the steel drum band as they climb Chieftain Hill. In 2004 – and then again in 2005 – Dani was diagnosed with breast cancer. Dartmouth Cancer Center took care of everything. Not only did Dani receive life-saving surgery, she was also provided with alternative treatments and additional resources that made her journey easier, all of which were funded by Prouty dollars. Even as a survivor, Dani knows that there’s a lot of work to do. Her husband, Mike, passed away last year from glioblastoma, which currently has no known treatment. Her yellow ribbon represents her desire to give back to Dartmouth for the incredible care both she and Mike received, and the hope we all share that research will bring us closer to a cure for all cancers.

As a cancer research administrator for almost fifty years, Bob Gerlach knows how drastically research has changed the way we approach cancer diagnosis and treatment. That knowledge took on personal significance two years ago, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Fortunately, Bob’s prognosis is good: an 80% likelihood that his initial treatment means he’ll remain disease free. But there’s currently no curative treatment for the 20% chance his cancer will progress. For him and for so many others, research is the only way forward. The yellow ribbon Bob holds represents how proud he is to be part of the community that fuels research and brings hope to so many patients facing cancer.

Since 2013, Judi Gentes has been working as a bedside Transplant and Cellular Therapy Nurse Navigator on One West, one of Dartmouth Cancer Center’s inpatient wards. In addition to providing compassionate and attentive care to her patients, she’s also become instrumental in organizing the Indoor Prouty as part of Team Hope, which brings the Prouty to those who can’t leave the hospital and gives them an opportunity to help bring research, support services and hope to themselves and their fellow cancer patients. The yellow Ribbon Judi holds celebrates Team Hope and the Indoor Prouty, and the immense real-life impact that Prouty support has on patients and their families every day.

Leo Gaudette’s Sister, Liane, was diagnosed with leukemia in the late 80’s. A regimen of chemotherapy was unsuccessful, which meant she couldn’t receive the bone marrow transplant she was scheduled for at Dartmouth Cancer Center. Unfortunately, after a fierce fight, Liane lost her battle. Leo and his family were already planning to Prouty in her honor when, in 2012, Leo received his own cancer diagnosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The family was scared, remembering Liane’s experience. Fortunately, Leo’s journey had a different ending. After six rounds of chemotherapy, he was deemed in remission with plenty of time to train and ride 35 miles in his first Prouty. This year, Leo and his family are celebrating their tenth year doing the Prouty. The yellow ribbon he holds honors his sister’s memory, celebrates his own cancer journey, and stands as a message to cancer patients everywhere that there is hope!

Five years ago, Joe Matz became a patient at Dartmouth Cancer Center when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He stayed there for two weeks after surgery, which is when he discovered how truly amazing the healthcare staff there is. He recalls his nurses being there for him every step of the way, not only taking care of his medical needs, but also his emotional wellbeing. One image he’ll never forget is two smiling nurses at his bedside, telling him, “we have you, Joe!” And he knows that that kind of personal, all-encompassing care is provided to every patient who walks through those doors. The yellow ribbon Joe holds celebrates his cancer journey and the incredible care he and so many others have received at Dartmouth Cancer Center.

Andrea Gilbert’s mom, Gisela, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in February of 1984. For five months, she received compassionate care from her team at Dartmouth Cancer Center and encouraged her doctor to do any test that could further education and research, even though she knew it wouldn’t save her life. For her, it was about helping other cancer patients. After she passed away, Andrea took that message to heart. She started working at the Geisel School of Medicine, and one of her first jobs was processing money raised by the Prouty. Today, Andrea celebrates her 20th year volunteering and participating in the Prouty. The yellow ribbon she holds honors her mom and her commitment to help cancer patients, even the ones she’ll never meet.

In 1977, Dr. Charles Thomas’ mom, Ruth Marie, died from breast cancer at the age of 41 after a fierce battle that lasted five years. Ruth was a schoolteacher and instilled in Charles the value of always finishing a task once it started. Charles embraced that lesson, and it drives him today in his work leading Dartmouth’s Radiation Oncology program, which treats 70 – 90 patients every day. Today is his first Prouty, and we’re excited for such a leader in the fight against cancer to join our community. The yellow ribbon Charles holds today honors his mother among the many we’ve lost to cancer and represents his commitment to all the patients who count on Dartmouth Cancer Center to help them win their cancer battles.