The changed world of Steve Blick

November 24, 2010

Steve Blick experienced how priorities can shift in an instant when he found out this summer that his 4-year old son Tyler was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. The Oakley marketing guy shared some of his thoughts about the new journey with slowtwitch.

Slowtwitch: Thank you so much for your time Steve.

Steve: You are welcome, thank you for being in our corner.

ST: You have been with Oakley for quite some time now. What exactly are you doing for that brand?

Steve: What do I do for Oakley? Good question…to keep it simple. I work with the world’s greatest athletes, designers and marketing teams to make sure we have the best gear for racing and the most fun riding.

ST: Some people closer to you obviously know what has pre-occupied your life recently, but others might not be so familiar with your situation. Can you explain how your world changed this summer?

Steve: This summer our boy Tyler (then 4) was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia (a type of blood cancer). What we have quickly learned is that we are not alone. In 2010 it is expected that over 5,000 children will also be diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. It is the most common type of Leukemia in children under the age of 20 but can happen to people at any age.

ST: When you took Tyler to the hospital on that summer day, what were you thinking what might be wrong with him?

Steve: I didn’t think it was anything beyond a normal cold/virus that any other kid would have.

ST: How much did that put all your other concerns in perspective?

Steve: Of course it reaffirmed how important family and friends are and we are so fortunate to have great people behind us.

ST: Tyler so far has seemingly been a super trooper despite all the stuff he has to go through. What is actually all involved right now?

Steve: His treatment is chemotherapy based and as parents all we can do is support him through the ups and downs of it all but he is responding well.

ST: How can people get involved with Tyler and the fight against leukemia?

Steve: We are working on a few fundraiser ideas to help with some of Tyler’s medical expenses, but in general there are many great organizations that support pediatric cancer research. A very important one is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with pediatric cancer. We are fortunate that our hospital, Rady Childrens hospital, is aligned with St. Jude in combining their intellectual resources, expertise with clinical trials and basic research.

ST: You mentioned before that you now have also learned who your friends really are. Was that a big surprise?

Steve: Our friends have always been there for us, and it’s always nice to have them in our corner. We have certainly appreciated everyone’s kindness and support.

ST: Along those lines, Lance Armstrong has been quite supportive. Can you elaborate?

Steve: The day we were transferring our son to Rady’s Children Hospital to begin his treatment, I received a call from Lance. He provided us with words of encouragement and offered his support through his Livestrong foundation.

ST: Quite a few pros seemed to have stepped up in a variety of ways to support Tyler. Mark Cavendish and Taylor Phinney are just a few that come to mind. Have you noticed the impact and how does that kind of involvement touch you?

Steve: It has been really great to get the support of those who are strong in reaching their own goals, it is their dedication that gives me strength to push ahead.

ST: I recall you mentioning Oakley stepping up big time.

Steve: We have appreciated that Oakley has been very supportive, and did allow me to take the time needed to get things back on track. Everyone there has been very positive and encouraging.

ST: Are you back on track?

Steve: Yes, I am back on track and feeling stronger than ever…just taking this time of year to recharge for 2011. I will be ready to help push Tyler and the rest of my friends and family to the next level.

(ed)

– You can Ride for Tyler Blick or a loved one impacted by cancer and show it proudly on your bike frame with all proceeds going to Livestrong: more details here

– If you live in Southern California you can support Tyler Blick at Le Tour de Tryptophan, a 24 hour mountain bike ride in Fullerton, CA. More details here.