The Ride Begins
But, the fight to conquer cancer will continue. The dollars that were raised here will make a signficant difference. I cannot express how thankful I am to those that have supported my ride therefore benefiting research. I am fortunate to have so many friends that believe in me and what I am doing. Thank you everyone!!!! I will be thinking of all of you during my ride tomorrow just as I have during all of my training. You are an inspiration in so many ways.
Have a GREAT weekend. I hope the rain stops!!!
Michael

by Michael Wilhelm on Fri, Sep 25, 2009 @ 10:06 PM

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Creating progress to advance research,etc can be frustrating
It seems frustrating sometimes to want to make a difference somewhere. In my case, the available treatments for cancer and the support of its victims is where I am focused. Not because I have suffered, at least not yet. Of course I hope not to suffer from cancer or any of my loved ones either. I have learned that our immune system and even more specifically our innate immunity plays a key role in eliminating those damaged cells in our bodies that could turn or are expected to turn in to cancer as they break free from colonies to form another. This happens several times a day. So, technically speaking we are beating cancer on our own on a daily basis. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy immune system for exceptional functioning and protection. Going back to my title, what I am frustrated about is that it is hard to measure the effect you make raising funds for such a huge, problematic, global illness. It is something that you have to realize and train yourself to just simply know that you are making a difference "one person, one dollar, one treatment candidate at a time. I have remained in the lead on funds raised by an individual at the Ride to Conquer Kentucky charity race coming up in September (visit- http://www.ridetovictory.org ). I am also enrolled in the Dempsey Challenge shortly after that. It is great to be involved and working hard for cancer. At work through our ImmuneRegen initiatives we are attempting to conquer cancer and other disease on a minute to minute basis while seeking support of other companies and individuals. It is NOT easy, but we come back every day because we care. Progress happens whether you can see it or not, as long as you working toward something you are advancing even when you feel like you are standing still. The result of your efforts will be realized, just keep going! Thank you for your support! I have been training as often as possible so I can keep up the pace.
I hope to be involved in a LiveStrong Challenge and or create one locally as soon as I can!
Have a great week!

by Michael Wilhelm on Tue, Jul 07, 2009 @ 8:45 AM

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So much changes and we can direct change-
Hello Everyone- Here is a short note to say hello. I hope you have been doing well. I have doing fine. Kids are great, family is good and work is as challenging as ever. We have made great strides in the area of cancer research and that makes me feel very proud of what I do and our team at the company. Additionally, our understanding of how our compound plays a role in stimulating the immune system potentially significantly enough to assist in the treatment of cancer and other indications has been a real breakthrough for me. I have learned so very much. We hope to share more soon. You can see updates on ImmuneRegen's site. Meanwhile, I have been riding quite a lot and loving every mile of it. I have also incorporated some crosstraining with hiking and running as my exercise on my days off from riding. I have never felt better as a result of it. Really helps with stress too and keeps my energy up. Most importantly, I know that my ride and rides are for a great cause. As a matter of fact, I would like to expand my cancer related events to other venues such as running some time next year. I plan on becoming more active with LAF and creating events there too so that I can continue to play a small role in the funding of cancer research. Well, I am heading out for a run in the high altitude. Have a great week and reach out any time. Thank you so very much for your support. Oh, what I meant when I said, "So much changes and we can direct" is that over time, no matter what SO MUCH changes whether we participate in the change or not. If we choose to participate we can then play an important part on how that change occurs and increase the effectiveness of it where necessary. So, get involved when you can.
Michael

by Michael Wilhelm on Sun, Jul 05, 2009 @ 8:17 AM

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Hello Everyone!!
Hello Everyone,
I hope you are all doing well. Yes, I have been training and am even going to a training school in a few weeks. It is hot here now and I am writing just prior to a 5plus hour ride. I wanted to say hello and thank all of you again for the generous donations to cancer research and your care and concern for victims of cancer. Some of you have even told some friends about my ride and they have contributed. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I hope all of you could mention my ride to your friends and family and help me reach the $10k goal that I have. I am doing another charity ride at some point in the future as well and am doing so because all of this training should go to more than just one event. Between training, the kids and their softball and soccer as well as plugging away on corporate development and MORE importantly scientific development for infectious disease, cancer, etc the time is very limited. I have not updated you lately and am glad that I have taken a moment to write this hello. Be well, stay healthy, get out and ride, run, walk and live. You are wonderful friends. Thank you!! I hope to do over 65 miles today. Let's see if the 103 degree temps allow me to do so. Please don't forget to tell your friends. Some guys are catching up to me and this race is a good one as it helps the fight against cancer.
Warmest regards,
Michael

by Michael Wilhelm on Sat, May 09, 2009 @ 8:27 AM

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I love training and working because it all means so much...
My Family, the riding for specific causes, my work in developing treatments for cancer and infectious disease is all so rewarding. Especially now!! The advancements we are making in cancer and ID for our drug candidate as a therapeutic and adjuvant are tremendous and hope that a large partner can assist us in making this available to those in need sooner rather than later. Our recent findings and successful studies in models of H1N1, H3N2, H5N1 and other areas of Influenza,etc is quite promising. Our exciting data from our previous influenza studies are particularly relevant to the current concerns about swine flu outbreaks around the world. ImmuneRegen's immunologist strongly believes our data is directly relevant to this mutated human/swine/avian recombination virus because we exploit mechanisms of inflammation relevant to all three viruses. The mechanisms through which Hompsera mediates the dramatic increased clearance of influenza virus, reduced systemic symptoms and lung inflammation and mortality with Homspera demonstrates a clear role as a therapy for the newly emerging swine flu pandemic, future avian influenza outbreaks/pandemic and seasonal human influenza.
As you know, my rides are for the purpose of raising cancer cancer awareness and research funds, but our work at ImmuneRegen goes far beyond this. There are so many great scientists and people that work on developing treatments for many life threatening ailments requiring support, funding, etc. I just wish the government would seek out these entities and people more readily and efficiently because at times like these we would be far more prepared. I will continue to work hard on this and will spread the word in DC too. Please contact your congressman and or senator to spread the word for us. We need government support so we can save your life....
Always have hope!!!

by Michael Wilhelm on Thu, Apr 30, 2009 @ 5:07 AM

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Seems harder as I train more
Just saying hello to everyone. Hope you are all doing well. I have been doing intervals and did ride yesterday for approximately 65 miles. I feel great and the ride was great. Although, the wind was so strong that it was the biggest challenge. I am almost positive that pro-cyclists must despise the wind too. The riding is awesome and seems to be getting harder. For my own personal interest I may train with a certified trainer on improving skills. I would like to be a better rider. Also, raising funds seems harder too. I believe it is obvious why that is since I may have contacted most of or all of the people I know. I will also be speaking with a professional fundraising consultant so I can maximize what I raise for The Ride to Conquer. Well, back to work and doing what we do. This will be a great week at the office and am looking forward to sharing all of it with you. Have a good week. Michael

by Michael Wilhelm on Mon, Apr 20, 2009 @ 7:29 AM

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Thank you!
I want to briefly thank everyone for their support in raising funds for cancer research. Oddly, cancer research has become so much more prominent in my life and work over the past few months. I actually wonder if it is because of my push and commitment to raise funds for the cause as well. I want to mention that those of you that are raising or contributing funds and putting them in honor of someone that passed as a result of cancer by creating an "In Memory of" naming to be put on the roster and you haven't seen it there yet, please accept my apologies. It is such a wonderful way to honor someone in this way and I am working hard at trying to get them to make all of those changes as the webmasters for Ride To Conquer are certainly appreciative of your efforts and believe that we should be listing these names and many more as well.
Tough week for me as far as work load and other matters. I only did interval training once. However, I have worked out every day. I expect to ride at least one 75 plus this weekend and plan for another 50-75 within 18-24 hours before of after that. I will keep you all posted. I could not do this without you. I am very much looking forward to coming in to work on Monday. I am always excited about work, but we have pulled together in so many areas and expect the fruits of our labor to one that we will all be able to speak of next week. Our new relationship with Univ of Pittsburgh's Dr. Larregina and her team as well as Dr. Finkelstein at the Univ. of Rochester makes this job very rewarding. Thank you and have a great weekend.
Michael

by Michael Wilhelm on Fri, Apr 17, 2009 @ 7:56 AM

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Cancer research and immunology
I can only imagine how rewarding being a doctor like Dr. Bueker at Norton and the many others out there in oncology, immunology, hematology, trauma, neurology, etc can be.... I will only be able to imagine that, but I do know how rewarding it is to be in the research area of advanced medical treatment developments. To be making great strides and continually working on modalities that will be used by these great physicians and eventually enhance the life of patients is INCREDIBLE. Thank you for the opportunity! We have been so busy and excited working in areas that I am looking forward to sharing with all of you soon that I have been unable to do any long rides in over a week. However, I did plan a week of long ride recovery and to only do intervals which I have been doing. I expect to ride today and certainly will be on the 4plus hour ride schedule again this weekend. The wind here in Scottsdale/Phoenix has been incredibly common lately and quite strong which makes it harder, discouraging and for some reason unrewarding to ride in. Anyway, I do it and it is good training. I want to say thanks again to all of you that continue to make cancer research possible. I just finished some work for Immuneregen and will do a quick workout before I head to the office for some East Coast calls. Have a great day and weekend everyone. Don't forget to live like you have just beaten cancer.

by Michael Wilhelm on Thu, Apr 16, 2009 @ 8:03 AM

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It's NOT easy, but is very rewarding.
I hope to ride in the rain today, but may not. Thought it wasn't or had stopped and ran out to chase a coyote off the property and felt it coming down. Anyway, riding over a hundred miles a weekend, raising awareness and funds to support cancer research, creating venues for awareness and visibility when you are a novice like me is not easy. The time it takes and especially when you don't know what and where to go is crazy. I am sure there a short cuts that can assist and people that know how to help. I do have a person that is very helpful and passionate and thanks to her I am supported and I am making strides each week. I am glad I asked her to help and more importantly that she accepted. No matter how difficult it can be and time comsumming it makes no difference because I am never frustrated and as a matter of fact, I am always feeling very good about even the littlest things I have done each day to assist. I always knew that supporting would feel good. I have been involved in a few things in the past and the experience was always so heart warming. This type of commitment has done something else for me. Something that truly makes me feel that as each day passes and I help a little more should I die expectedly or unexpectedly I will do so with a great feeling that my efforts will help save and or enhance many lives. I hope to keep doing this. Thank you to all that are listening, reading and caring. Remember, if you haven't had cancer that is wonderful, but do as I try each day and "Live like you have just beaten cancer."

by Michael Wilhelm on Sat, Apr 11, 2009 @ 10:10 AM

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Tough riding at high elevations
It is great practice, but I hate it. The good thing is that I always drink a lot of coffee and the best coffee in Arizona has always been Perky's ( a great little drive thru stand in Overgaard, AZ) and now it has gotten much better. The Guatemalan is the best. I leave at 4am to catch a 7am con call. Wish Perky's was open that early. I'll drive by and see! Have a great day. More rides this weekend.

by Michael Wilhelm on Fri, Apr 10, 2009 @ 2:18 AM

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Headin' out for another ride!
This is the hard part.... Early morning and I can see it is very windy. I want to just stay here and read, absorb new stuff, work, etc some more. Well, enough procrastinating. I am outta here. Hope you are all doing well. MKW

by Michael Wilhelm on Sun, Apr 05, 2009 @ 7:47 AM

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Hoping to continue the financial fund raising crusade for the rest of my life.
I have been raising funds for most of my life, but these are funds that go to cancer research and in the future i would like to do something for diabetes. My brother/best friend has diabetes and has had it since 5 years old. If I can do anything more there for him and all of the others I will. Meanwhile, the funds that I have raised for companies over the past several years have gone to cancer research as well as many other areas of public health concern. Although I am not an MD or PhD my work is instrumental in advancing medicine and hopefully plays a role making available the best treatments for life threatening illnesses. Despite stresses and the difficulties of my work I feel very good about what we do at ImmuneRegen and now how my children are proud of what I do. Knowing that your children feel so good about you is such an amazing thing. I want to continue to make them proud. I should be out on a ride this early. I would be at mile 15 by now, but the new bike needs a tune and I don't want on the tri-bike. I will ride later today and early tomorrow. Now, I am going to TWITTER and get some work done. I have a lot to catch up on. This week was a rough one with great things on the horizon. Hope everyone has a great day!

by Michael Wilhelm on Sat, Apr 04, 2009 @ 8:42 AM

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I'd like to get on the bike today, but....
I have a lot going on and no time to ride. If I can at least get in those intervals that I like so much then I can be more effectively prepared for this weekend. I hear sleep/rest is key to successful riding. As a matter of fact, it is key to a successful bunch of things. The book I recommended the other day is an easy, informative and enjoyable read that you will find useful and fascinating. Meanwhile, here I am at 5ish AM icing my shoulder. Since my torn labrum surgery a few months back my recovery has been advanced and strong. I went to a bit of PT, but handled most on my own. Cycling and working out has been awesome and without discomfort. More importantly, playing with the kids whether it be softball, soccer or Raiders of the Lost Ark all has been cool, but yesterday I played racquetball for the first time again. I played well, but I have some pain and limited ROM. I am hoping it is just overworked "cause if I need to have any work done again I won't be happy. Nobody's fault, but........ Bill's. Bill is a great friend of mine that kept hounding me to play. Every day a darn email would come in at 4:30am saying, "You better yet? Let's play." I gave in, played twice and now... Well, we'll see in a few hours or so if there is any damage. If not, watch out Bill and come see the office. Any local people should come see the office. Give us a call ahead of time. 480-922-3926. Have a great day!

by Michael Wilhelm on Thu, Apr 02, 2009 @ 7:45 AM

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By the way...
I just wanted to let everyone know about a book that has helped me so much with my training, "Bicycling Magazine's Training Techniques for Cyclists" edited by Ben Hewitt. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in cycling.

by Michael Wilhelm on Mon, Mar 30, 2009 @ 5:14 PM

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The hardest part of riding
I am so happy that I began riding this vigorously and I owe it all to the cause that I am riding for. Without it I would be training with less intensity and excitement, but I know what I am riding for and it feels good. However, I will say that riding early am around 5 isn't easy. Although I am stoked about the ride it takes me an extra 30 mins to get out the door and I dilly dally with ride prep details. Once I am on the road the first 5 miles I am justifying a shorter ride with excuses such as, I have more work to do, I could clean the garage, I have an errand that needs to get done, etc. Once I get to 5 miles out the interest to stop is succeeded by an increased rhythm of cadence and music and I am no longer thinking how do I get home sooner. At 10-15 miles I am thinking of the things that I can get done even if I add another few miles or hour to the ride, because at this point I just want to keep going. It's not until mile 45-50 that it begins to feel like I am getting tired and the muscles are exhausting. I guess that's training. I ended with approximately 75 miles yesterday, but don't know for sure because my mileage display was not functioning. However I did go familiar routes to know what distance I was doing. I will not count it as official and will head out this weekend for the 75 and possibly the back to back 75. Not having early morning softball games helps me get out early and not miss anything. I want to thank everyone for getting me closer to my personal goal. I would like to raise much more money for Norton and hope to be speaking with them this week or next about possibly working together on certain cancer research interests that ImmuneRegen has at this point. Well, I am going to get back to work and get the day going. I hope all of you have a great day! Thanks again!

by Michael Wilhelm on Mon, Mar 30, 2009 @ 8:00 AM

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One of "Those" days..
Today is definitely one of those days. Don't get me wrong, I am stoked about work and what our team is working on to advance the company and candidate and cannot wait to get in to the office. And, I am in a great mood about other things too some of which include my daughters softball game tonight, continuing to watch the Star Wars series with the kids because they haven't seen it and it has been so long for me. I am looking forward to hearing my son ask, "When can I be a Jedi?". Meanwhile, getting on the bike today seems tougher than usual. Saturday's 70 was very tough too. The first 5 miles were brutal and then it was amazing. So, I am going to finish work while drinking water and then I am going to go and do it. Remember, I have to try and live as though I have beaten cancer and after facing death, agonizing over the disease and having prepared to depart only to find that I have won and no longer need to miss all of those things that I would constantly think about. "When I beat cancer I am going to.........." That's how we should think of things sometimes. I am going to ride because I can. Who knows, maybe you or I have beaten cancer. Maybe our body has experienced cancer and our diet, lifestyle, immune system, etc was too much of a challenge for cancer. Hmmm, I am going to ask my brilliant colleagues in the office today if this is even possible. Meanwhile, Have a great day, week, month, life, etc..... Now, I have to ride...
MKW

by Michael Wilhelm on Wed, Mar 25, 2009 @ 7:29 AM

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Was titled "New Bike", but how about "Live like you have beaten cancer".
Well, thanks to all of you I have been inspired to purchase a new road bike. Although the shop manager told me that I would really feel a difference I did not expect much. This is because my former road bike seemed great and it is, but it was a world of difference, an incredible ride and I can't wait to go again. I broke the bike in with a high mileage ride and hope to do my back to back 75s next weekend. On my ride I was thinking about my Aunt Carolee who thankfully beat breast cancer. I was thinking about how wonderful she is and how grateful so many people there are that have her in their lives. This got me thinking about all of those people that have beaten cancer and how happy their friends and loved ones are to be able to still have them here with us. I even thought further about how the victims of cancer that have so gallantly fought and beat the disease feel about life. What are their views on family priorities now versus then, work, friends, love, exercise, diet, learning, patience, caring, trying new things, etc. This brought that country tune to mind "Live like you are dying" and I thought "Live like you have just beaten cancer" rather than live like you are dying. Anyway, I know it is hard to do because we get so caught up in things. If we can remember to do it once in a while it may change those of us that get so caught up in the rat race pace of get everything done as soon as possible so we can tackle more and then get depressed that they didn't accomplish getting it all done when it wasn't realistic in the first place. Everyone should value what they did do, did accomplish and hopefully whatever took them away from their list of "To Dos" was enjoyable, worthwhile and something that meant something to them and possibly others. I could be talking about myself here too, but I will admit that I do think positively about this quite often. Yes, I am guilty of crazy lists, but I know what is realistic and set that expectation for me. I do miss things that are important and it gets me, but maybe not as much after I send this out. Well, I better go. I didn't have writing this blog on my list and I am already behind!!!!!! Kidding! Have a great day!

by Michael Wilhelm on Mon, Mar 23, 2009 @ 8:05 AM

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Early morning rides
I am headed out for some quick interval training this morning. Riding in the morning is so wonderful. It is still dark out, the birds are chirping and you feel the freshness of the new day. It is a great time to think and prepare. I have always been an "early bird" and although I exercise at various times during the day, mornings seem to really be enjoyable. Lately I have been just working out with weights in the early morning with just two rides per week early AM, but this morning is special. Last night a very generous contributor sent Norton Cancer Institute $1,000! I am very grateful and I know you are too. It is very inspirational to me to see such support and gets me to ride even more. Today's morning ride is because of this latest contribution. Like I have said, I have always ridden my road bike, but now (thanks to all of you) I am always feeling that I am riding for so much more of a purpose. What more can I say? Nothing... I need to get out of here, ride and go to work. Enjoy the day!

by Michael Wilhelm on Tue, Mar 17, 2009 @ 7:50 AM

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Someone recently said, "50 miles is easy to do."
Quiet frankly, 50 miles gets easier to do yet it requires a great deal of training for. Then 75 miles will be easier and of course so will even greater distances. This ride is not about how far it is, it is about how important it is to continue the push for identifying treatment candidates and cures for cancer. That is the distance by which we measure our work and effort. When a colleague of mine told me that he heard this other colleague say this he also mentioned that he asked this person "Have you ever ridden 50 miles?". The response was "no". He then asked "how far have you ridden?" and our colleague and contributor to this cause said, "I actually haven't ridden and don't ride, but I have a friend that rides often." Well, there you have it folks. This ride is for everyone and I am enjoying it. I was able to squeeze out 60 yesterday morning without stopping and no pain. 3 hours 50 mins. Please read this quote below by Teddy Roosevelt as it pertains to this blog. Thank you!-
"It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-- Teddy Roosevelt

by Michael Wilhelm on Sun, Mar 15, 2009 @ 9:24 AM

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Why I ride... Now
When I began riding I rode for me, my health, my psyche, for peace and meditation and to work out work related issues and thoughts. After training for this ride with more consistancy than before, I ride for others too. I now ride with more enthusiasm and feel even better when I am finished. Whether I do intervals, a 10 mile ride or a 50 mile ride when I am finished I feel great because I know what I am training for and or more importantly why I am riding in this Norton Cancer Institute event. I hope we (Immuneregen) are able to develop a relationship with Norton so we can shift some of our studies over there. How do you feel while you are training? How does training for this event make you feel and how do you feel when raising funds for those who suffer?

by Michael Wilhelm on Thu, Mar 12, 2009 @ 5:29 PM

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