One man's extraordinary journey across continents and oceans is bringing attention to prostate cancer, supporting research, and inspiring others to live with purpose.
For many men, a prostate cancer diagnosis changes the way they look at life. For Chad Campbell, it also inspired an extraordinary mission: a 13,000-mile expedition across land and sea to raise awareness and support prostate cancer research and education.
Through his Earth and Ocean Expedition, Chad is preparing to travel across two continents and two oceans, bringing communities together and starting important conversations about prostate cancer along the way.
And what makes his story even more remarkable? Chad is living with advanced prostate cancer himself.
Turning a Diagnosis into a Mission
In September 2021, Chad was diagnosed with Stage IVB prostate cancer at just 48 years old. His diagnosis meant that the cancer had already spread beyond the prostate.
Since then, he has undergone chemotherapy, participated in a clinical trial at the OHSU Knight Cancer Research Institute, and continued receiving hormone therapy.
Despite the challenges of treatment and living with metastatic prostate cancer, Chad has remained committed to maintaining an active lifestyle. He continues to run his business, participate in Rotary service, travel, and follow an early-morning exercise routine.
Rather than allowing his diagnosis to define everything about his life, Chad has found a new opportunity to connect with others and make a difference.
His personal motto captures that outlook:
"Fighting happily for life, even when life seemingly fights back." — Chad Campbell
An Expedition Across Land and Sea
Beginning in Slovakia in the summer of 2028, Chad's Earth and Ocean Expedition is planned to cover more than 13,000 miles over approximately one year.
The journey will combine hiking, cycling, ocean rowing, and sailing across eight ambitious phases.
Highlights of the planned expedition include:
Hiking across Western Europe
Rowing across the North Sea to England
Cycling through the United Kingdom
Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua
Cycling across the United States
Rowing across the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii
But this expedition is about much more than endurance.
Along the way, Chad plans to connect with local communities, Rotary Clubs, cancer patients, survivors, and families. Through interviews, community events, and updates from the road and sea, he hopes to encourage conversations about men's health and the importance of prostate cancer awareness.
The expedition also has an ambitious fundraising goal: more than $1 million to support prostate cancer research and education.
Supporting the Prostate Cancer Community
At PCRI, we believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools a patient can have.
A prostate cancer diagnosis can bring uncertainty and difficult decisions. Understanding the disease, learning about available treatments, and connecting with others can help patients feel more confident about their next steps.
Chad's expedition reflects that same spirit of education, connection, and empowerment.
We're especially honored that PCRI has been named as one of the organizations that Earth and Ocean intends to support, alongside the OHSU Knight Cancer Research Institute and Prostate Cancer UK.
By bringing prostate cancer awareness into communities around the world, Chad hopes to encourage more men to take an active role in their health, learn about screening, and seek reliable information.
His journey is also a reminder that quality of life matters. Although everyone's experience with prostate cancer is different, maintaining meaningful activities, personal goals, and supportive relationships can be an important part of living with the disease.
More Than Miles: A Message of Hope
Living with advanced prostate cancer can present significant physical and emotional challenges. Treatments may cause fatigue, changes in strength, and other side effects that affect everyday life.
Chad's commitment to physical fitness and his ambitious expedition plans are inspiring, but his story isn't about suggesting that every patient should take on an extreme physical challenge.
It's about finding purpose in whatever way is meaningful to you.
For some, that might mean spending more time with family. For others, it might mean volunteering, pursuing a hobby, mentoring another patient, or simply staying engaged in the activities they enjoy.
Chad has chosen an extraordinary path, but the message behind it is universal: a cancer diagnosis does not have to erase a person's goals, passions, or desire to contribute to the world.
Follow Chad's Earth and Ocean Expedition
As Chad prepares for his 2028 departure, the Earth and Ocean Expedition is building a global community of supporters who share his commitment to prostate cancer awareness, research, and education.
We encourage the PCRI community to learn more about Chad, follow his preparations, and share his story with others.
You can explore the expedition's planned route, learn about its mission, follow updates, and find ways to get involved at:
Earth and Ocean Expedition — Official Website
Whether you're a prostate cancer patient, survivor, caregiver, or advocate, Chad's story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make.
From all of us at PCRI, we wish Chad and the Earth and Ocean team success as they prepare for this incredible adventure. Thank you, Chad, for using your journey to bring greater awareness, connection, and hope to the prostate cancer community.
To learn more about prostate cancer, treatment options, and resources for patients and caregivers, visit PCRI.org.