Racing for Awareness

Sailing has been a part of Rich Stearns’ life for as long as he can remember. 

Raised in a sailing family, Stearns grew up surrounded by some of the sport’s most accomplished competitors, including his father, Richard Irving Stearns III, an Olympic medalist, world champion, renowned sailmaker and cofounder of the Lands’ End company. His upbringing led Stearns to see sailing as more than a pastime — it became a lifelong passion. 

“There’s nothing quite like steering the boat, feeling the wind and making the boat move fast along the water,” he said. “You’re working with Mother Nature to make things go fast.” 

This summer, at age 71, Stearns will take on one of the sport’s most demanding challenges starting July 10: the 333-mile Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. It will be his 52nd time competing in the iconic challenge. However, this year, as he and his 77-year-old teammate, Jorgen Johnsson, navigate Lake Michigan, they will also be raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer care and research at Rush. 

The cause is personal. 

Nearly a decade ago, Stearns learned he had prostate cancer after a screening at Rush University Medical Center revealed changes in his prostate-specific antigen levels. Following his diagnosis, he worked closely with urologist Laurence Levine, MD, to understand his options and chart a path forward. 

A diagnosis leads to a changed perspective 

Like many patients facing a cancer diagnosis, Stearns looked into several different treatment options. He ultimately underwent surgery and additional treatment outside of Rush before returning for other portions of his care. 

Along the way, he discovered that navigating prostate cancer often involves difficult decisions and uncertainty about what comes next. 

“You don’t know what’s in front of you,” Stearns said. “You don’t know what you’re going to have to go through. You don’t know if you’re going to die.” 

The experience changed his perspective. Rather than putting life on hold, Stearns focused on the things that mattered most to him. He poured his energy into restoring a sailboat that many would’ve considered beyond repair. Working on the vessel became both a distraction and a reminder to keep moving forward. 

“I kept telling myself, ‘You better do the things you want to do,’” Stearns said. “‘Waiting around doesn’t accomplish anything.’” 

Quality care leads to devoted support 

Today, Stearns continues to undergo regular monitoring. His diagnosis and treatment reinforced the importance of staying informed, advocating for yourself and seeking expert care. 

“Thanks to advances in treatment and the dedication of outstanding doctors and researchers, I am still able to pursue the activities I love, including competing in one of America’s great endurance races,” Stearns said. 

Stearns remains deeply appreciative of the physicians at Rush who helped guide him through critical moments in his cancer diagnosis and treatments, as well as other health challenges, including joint replacement surgeries. The care he has received played a significant role in his decision to fundraise for Rush through his participation in this year’s Race to Mackinac. 

For Stearns, supporting Rush means helping advance research, patient care and the expertise that gives patients confidence when they need it most. 

“If you’re going to support something, support the people who are doing great work,” he said. 

Setting sail and raising awareness

Just as important as supporting research and care at Rush, Stearns hopes his fundraising sparks conversations about prostate cancer, which he firmly believes happens far too infrequently. 

Stearns has seen firsthand how hesitation and embarrassment can prevent people from asking potentially lifesaving questions or seeking screenings. 

“Being diagnosed doesn’t mean your life is over,” Stearns said. “Chances are you’re going to be fine. Get screened, learn about what it means, get a second opinion and make the decision that’s right for you.” 

That message holds strong as Stearns prepares for the upcoming race. 

He and his teammate will compete in the event’s demanding double-handed division, which requires two sailors to manage the boat around the clock with little sleep and no breaks. The challenge is significant, particularly for competitors in their seventies. 

Stearns knows the race will bring uncertainty. But as he prepares to leave Chicago’s harbor and head north toward Mackinac Island, he also knows the long nights, fatigue and ever-changing weather conditions are all part of the journey. 

In many ways, for Stearns, that unpredictability mirrors the experience of living with cancer. 

When he eventually crosses the finish line, he’s optimistic that his efforts and message will lead someone to schedule a screening or to feel less alone. 

“My teammate and I hope to demonstrate that a cancer diagnosis does not have to define your future,” Stearns said. “Dreams can still be pursued.”