Dolphins Cancer Challenge Rider Goes From Supporter To Survivor

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Before the tires start spinning Saturday, cyclists got ride-ready at a training event in Coral Gables in anticipation of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge.

First-time rider John Chase plans to cycle 25 miles as part of the annual event.

"I think it touches everybody. I don't think there's anybody who doesn't know somebody who's life hasn't been altered by this," Chase said.

John Chase, a roofing contractor, wanted to ride in the event last year, simply as a supporter of the cause. But then he got the news that put him on the path from supporter to survivor.

"I was working out to compete in the Dolphin Cancer ride for 2015, and in September 2014 while I was in my training, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. That put a halt to my training for this ride," he said.

John underwent 11 cycles of chemotherapy, 25 radiation treatments and a major surgery.

Now, he's ready to ride, not just for himself, but also in honor of the man who helped launch the challenge six years ago, Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich.

"He was a longtime hero of mine because I'm a Dolphin fanatic," John said. "It was heartbreaking to see what he went through. He was such a positive role model and he really turned it this in to something positive."

John says, much like the challenge on Saturday, his cancer fight was a marathon, not a sprint.

But now he's really enjoying the ride of his life.

"Everything in life now is easy," he said. "I wake up and I'm in better shape than I've ever been. I love exercise. I eat healthy. This is all fun stuff now," said John.