In 2008, Tim Biesiadecki was diagnosed with melanoma, and over the next few years the cancer spread to other organs in his body. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and the rates of skin cancer have increased in recent decades; it is estimated that there will be about 87,110 new cases of melanoma, the deadliest of all skin cancers, in this country in 2017.
After initially undergoing a year-long chemotherapy treatment at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, he worked with the doctors, nurses, and staff members of CINJ through numerous surgeries over several years as the cancer spread. Most recently, he underwent a 15-month immunotherapy treatment. The Melanoma and Soft Tissue Oncology Program at the Cancer Institute of NJ is comprised of surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and social workers who tirelessly provide comprehensive care to patients like Tim—men and women with melanoma and sarcoma. For their support and continuing contributions to his fight against cancer, Tim is most grateful.
About sixteen years ago, Tim started hiking and biking up Baldpate Mountain with his friend Anthony, and many trips up and down the mountain have since followed. Before, during, or after treatment, with friends, or with family—Tim’s wife, Kathy, and children, Laura and John, have come to love the mountain too—Baldpate has kept calling. Even during the most difficult times in his recovery, Tim would head to Baldpate to challenge himself and press on through the fight.
Tim has decided to start a personal fundraising campaign to give back to the hospital, doctors, nurses, and staff that have been so crucial to his battle and recovery. On Saturday, October 6, 2018, Tim will lead the Fourth Annual day of hiking up and around Baldpate Mountain, raising funds to be used for continued research at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. All are welcome to hike up this beautiful mountain, and share in the reward of contributing to something larger than ourselves.