Team Heroes exemplifies a cancer-fighting lifestyle and spirit

David Greene's Journey: The Unwavering Support of Team Heroes Against Cancer

David Greene joined Team Heroes in 2008 because the group’s connection to the Heroes Foundation gave his cycling habit a higher meaning. 

“I always wanted to be a supporter, not a supportee,” David said, but 11 years later, at the age of 57, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

Heroes Foundation Co-Founder Vince Todd, Jr. and Don Birch launched Team Heroes in 2001. Today, the group’s 45 highly active members compete at all levels of events sanctioned by USA Cycling, gravel/mountain bike/cyclocross, and USA Triathlon throughout the Midwest and beyond. Members are primarily masters racers, but the team is working to grow its collegiate recruits and welcomes all levels of enthusiasts. 

By doing what they love, Team Heroes cyclists proudly represent the Heroes Foundation while exemplifying the healthy lifestyle that can help prevent cancer. They also support one another through tough times, such as David’s diagnosis. 

“Most team members have been impacted by cancer somehow. Being associated with the Heroes Foundation gives us a sense of purpose,” says Court Maple, race director for Team Heroes. “It’s a community outside of family and work where people can lean on and support one another.” 

David was diligent about cancer screenings, and his cancer was detected at an early stage. Doctors monitored his PSA levels, and after nine months of “active surveillance,” an increase in his PSA score led David to a prostatectomy. 

His teammates were on indoor trainers during the cold winter months in 2019. “I would still go over to see the guys spinning,” he says. David was fit from riding with Team Heroes, so his recovery was swift. He was back on a spin bike in a matter of weeks. 

“I would stand and spin for 10 minutes, take a break and then spin again. The guys would say, ‘You’re doing great!’ They cared about me and inspired me, making me want to go hard, even though I couldn’t go that hard yet.” 

Teammates texted and called during his recovery. David had met cancer survivors through Team Heroes and heard stories about members’ loved ones undergoing cancer treatment. All of it made him feel much less alone when he was on his cancer journey. 

“Team Heroes is a huge part of my life. They’re a great group of people — energetic, outgoing, zest-for-life types who support one another,” David says. 

Greene soon returned to the long group rides he loved. When his cancer recurred in 2020, his teammates were there for him. He underwent 40 days of radiation and was prescribed medication that led to weight gain and loss of energy. 

“I had to work my way back. The Team knew I was struggling, so guys hung in the back of the pack and encouraged me to keep going,” he says. And work he did. By the summer of 2021, David says, “I felt fast and inspired. I made some progress and I was right in the middle of the pack again.”

“We ride for a purpose,” says Court, who has been on the team since 2012. “Through Team Heroes, we race for something bigger than ourselves.” Team Heroes cyclists host annual LEGO drives for the Heroes Foundation Team JOEY Program, rally participation in Fit4Heroes, and participate in fundraising events. 

“We are here to ride and we understand our purpose,” Court says. For members like David Greene, Team Heroes became the support he needed when he least expected it.

For more about the Heroes Foundation and Team Heroes, visit heroesfoundation.org.