Right on pace for cancer cure

By BILL KAUFMANN, CALGARY SUN

When he collapsed from a grand mal seizure in 2004, Calgary native Tom Tucker debated whether an impending New Zealand triathlon was still in his future.

But Tucker, who had a cancerous brain tumour diagnosed just three months before, decided to go for it.

"I had to make a decision quite quickly -- I crossed the finish line and I said 'OK -- next battle,' " Tucker, a globe-trotting private equity investor, said from Sydney, Australia.

The possibility of suffering another seizure during future triathlons is still there, said Tucker, 33, but that's not enough to deter him from running, biking and swimming to raise money for cancer research.

Last April, he raised $100,000 by competing in the Australian Ironman competition, in which he placed in the top 5%. On Aug. 28, after he and wife Kim return to live in Calgary, Tucker will attempt to raise $50,000 by competing in the 222-km Canadian Ironman race in Penticton, B.C.

"It'll be a fun one to do, though I'm not too crazy about the hills," he said.

Shortly after learning in January 2004 he had cancer, Tucker had 80% of the malignant tumour the size of a small apple surgically removed from his left temporal lobe. What remains of the tumour shouldn't have much bearing on his racing, given the medication to control seizures, he added.

"It doesn't affect me physically or mentally," said Tucker, who spends 25 hours a week preparing for the gruelling triathlons. In the fall, he's hoping to continue his fundraising by entering a triathlon in Hawaii.

Some of the money he raises for brain tumour research might benefit him.

Doctors, said Tucker, have told him he could have only a year to live if his tumour grows, or be saved by "advanced technology to remove it."

For now, the tumour is being closely monitored, with an MRI and CT scan every six months.

Tucker's looked to the stupendous achievements of seven-time Tour de France victor Lance Armstrong, who overcame spreading testicular cancer.

"He's a professional athlete and we're in different leagues but I admire and respect him a lot," he said.

Those wanting to donate to Tucker's cause can go to www.cancer.ca and go to the Alberta/NWT link.