Disc Golf Pioneer Completes Epic 53-Day Solo Road Trip Across America

At just 65 years young, Eric Bilow has proven that life is full of possibilities. Diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer at age 59, Eric's journey to recovery was far from ordinary. After beating the disease, he discovered a new passion in disc golf and began rehabilitating through weekly rounds on his local course.

As his addiction to disc golf grew, so did his commitment to the sport. He started volunteering at his local club, taking care of the course and eventually becoming the leader. With the support of his wife, Debbie, who was also fighting breast cancer during the same time, Eric's dedication to disc golf inspired others.

Three years ago, the Villages "Chain Gang" disc golf club recognized Eric's leadership potential and officially appointed him as their leader. Under his guidance, the club flourished, growing to over 700 members with seven or more scheduled events each week.

Eric's love for disc golf led him to dream of a big adventure – playing in every state in the lower 48 within just one year. With a five-year cancer-free milestone approaching, he saw this as an opportunity to celebrate and inspire fellow cancer warriors. Eric purchased a bright orange Polaris Slingshot three-wheeled auto-cycle, perfect for traveling and promoting his mission.

Partnering with Uplay, Innova's "Throw Pink" foundation, and the Cancer Hope Network, Eric set out on his 53-day solo road trip across America. He planned every detail using his trusty UDisc app, which proved to be an essential tool for navigating routes, courses, and pharmacies where he could replenish his feeding tube formula.

The journey took him through diverse landscapes – woods, mountains, deserts, and open prairies – showcasing the beauty of disc golf. Eric played in over 40 different states, each round ending with a special commemorative disc that represented his fight against cancer.

One of the most memorable aspects of his trip was collecting initials from people who had been touched by cancer. He placed survivor initials on the driver's side and memorialized those who fought bravely but lost their battle on the passenger side. Mickey Westbrook, the owner of Privet Drive DGC in Raleigh, Mississippi, was one of the first individuals whose initials were added to Eric's Slingshot.

Eric's trip was not without its challenges. A serious issue arose when his g-tube broke just 18 hours before he was scheduled to debut as Zoe AnDyke's caddy at the Northwest Disc Golf Championship event in Portland, Oregon. Undeterred, Eric quickly drove himself to a hospital and received a new g-tube.

Throughout his journey, Eric shared stories of perseverance on his Facebook page, "2025 Cannonball Run 4 Cancer." As he documented his travels, many people commented that they would love to see a book about his adventure. Eric is considering publishing a book to share his inspiring story and motivate others to push through challenges.

As for what's next, Eric is unsure, but one thing is certain – throwing plastic will remain a big part of his life.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/recovery-road