News & Stories
From Supporter to Survivor, Rich keeps Riding
January 22, 2025
Without your generosity to Closer to Free and Smilow Cancer Hospital, Rich would not have made it to the finish line!
He’s been a power cyclist since he started riding for Closer to Free in 2014, knocking out “century rides” (100-milers) nearly each year, becoming a more dedicated cyclist with each ride.

But all that changed in 2022, after Rich Neeb was diagnosed with an especially aggressive form of prostate cancer. That’s the year his status as a rider in Closer to Free changed from “supporter” to “survivor.”
“People tend to think prostate cancer is slow growing, manageable, the best cancer to have,” says Rich. But, unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and Rich is one of the unlucky ones.
Since his diagnosis, Rich has endured more ups and downs in his physical health — some cancer-related, some treatment-related, and some unexplained — than most could bear. Two surgeries, two months of daily radiation therapy, and 24 months of double hormone therapy left him with ongoing chronic fatigue, overwhelming weakness, nerve damage, brain fog, and pain.
The fatigue got so bad that Rich had to retire early from his career as a primary school teacher. There are days when he barely has the strength to get out of bed or even lift his arms above his shoulders.
Two things that work wonders for Rich
Yet, through it all, Rich somehow manages to maintain a positive outlook. “I really don’t feel good,” he says. “My body aches from the minute I get out of bed until the minute I go to sleep. But it feels better in my heart and mind to act — and be — happy. It’s the place I need to be.”
Two things help him hang on to that positive outlook.
The first is the Smilow Cancer Hospital community of providers who care for him, treat his disease and side effects, and make him feel less alone in his cancer journey.
Initially, Rich received care from a local hospital near his Southbury home, but it didn’t feel right to him. “I decided I wanted to go to Smilow instead,” he says. “I’d been riding and supporting Smilow for years. And from the minute I went there, I felt comfortable. Everything felt right and the teamwork among caregivers was top-notch.”
Just as important as Rich’s treatment is Smilow’s strong network of support for cancer patients. The Survivorship Clinic provides a team of expert clinicians in every specialty that could be
important to a cancer patient — including oncology, psychosocial support, nutrition, and physical therapy — and they have all been critical in helping Rich develop a strategy to rebuild his strength.
The Smilow Prostate Cancer Support group, an online group that meets twice a month, has also been key to Rich’s positive attitude. “It’s a chance to talk with others who are going through treatment about the weird symptoms, weakness, and difficulty getting out of bed in the morning,” says Rich. “It’s comforting to know you’re not alone.”
The other thing that helps Rich stay positive? Riding his bicycle.
It’s hard to believe, given the toll cancer has taken on his body, that Rich is up to riding his bike. But nothing could stop him from crossing that Closer to Free finish line with his girlfriend and riding buddies, even if he had to lower his riding goals.
In 2022, his first Closer to Free ride after his diagnosis, Rich rode 50 miles of the 100-mile route. A rest in the middle of the ride made it possible for him to start and end with his team. The next year brought the purchase of an electric pedal-assist bike, which enabled Rich to complete 26 miles. And just last year he rode 40 miles on the e-bike!
Rich finds riding completely exhausting, yet it inspires him so much. “I love the ride,” he says. “It feels good to be supporting the cause and it always feels good to be on my bike. I forget my troubles when I’m on the bike. I think of positive thoughts and feel happy.”