Why We Prouty

Willem Jewett with his wife Ellen and daughters Abigail and Anneke.

A ride to fill heart and soul

By Jaclynn Rodriguez

Like many Prouty participants, Willem Jewett has participated for a long time, always happy to give back and unaware of how personal his experience might become. This year’s 40th Prouty looked quite different for him, and not because of the pandemic—this Prouty he rode as a patient.

In the summer of 2020, Willem had a stuffy nose—except it wasn’t just a stuffy nose. In late fall, he was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma, a rare form of cancer. Learning quickly about the expertise that the Norris Cotton Cancer Center has in the field of melanoma, he began care with a specialized team led by Dr. Keisuke Shirai.

When it came time for The Prouty this year, Willem reached out to his team, Jackalope Northeast Cycling, to start raising vital funds for the Cancer Center. Funds started pouring in, and then began the planning of a virtual century ride through Vermont. Willem consulted with Dr. Shirai about taking on such a challenge, and he got the green light to ride.

Joined by his two daughters, wife, brother, family, and teammates, Willem completed his 100-mile ride on Prouty day.

“I had said that we would ride ‘cancer pace,’ but we ended up rolling along at a moving pace. I was nicely sheltered at third wheel most of the day, surrounded by my team. For that one day I was thriving, not just surviving,” Willem said. “We love to ride bikes for so many reasons. A bike ride can provide challenge, adventure, exercise, stress relief and so many other things. However, once in a great while you spend a day in the saddle that fills your heart and soul.”

After the post-ride celebration ended and Willem was resting and recovering, the phone rang. Dr. Shirai called to hear how the ride went, and to ensure that he was drinking enough liquids.

“The Prouty is more than exercise; more than competition; more than challenge. It is about community and support; it is about love,” said Willem. “I want to thank each and every person who supported this event from the bottom of my heart for giving me a day that I will never forget. And a special thanks to Dr. Shirai, who helps make the Cancer Center the special place that it is.”

Willem (middle, with hand raised) and his team Jackalope Northeast Cycling.

Keisuke Shirai, MD, MSc, associate professor of medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth with Willem Jewett.