About Jerry and the Cruise for Cancer

Diagnosed with cancer on February 10, 2003 at the age of 64, Jerry Parins embarked on a journey that would undoubtedly change his life.

Throughout his surgery and two grueling battles with chemotherapy, which lasted nearly a year, Parins, like many cancer patients, found it difficult to keep a positive frame of mind. With the unwavering support of his family, friends and co-workers, Parins put cancer behind him and continues to stay one step ahead of the disease that has affected millions of families worldwide in one way or another.

A former captain of internal affairs for the Green Bay Police Department, Parins retired from his post in 1992 to assume the role of Director of Corporate Security for the Green Bay Packers.

His 40-year association with the team began in 1965 under Head Coach Vince Lombardi, who contacted the Green Bay Police Department looking for help keeping fans off the practice field. Parins, then 24, volunteered his time by working practices, gamedays and assisting in the Packers weight room.

Today, Parins is volunteering his time for a different cause.

Continuing a love affair with motorcycles that began at an early age and continued throughout his career as a police officer, Parins, just 16 months after being diagnosed with cancer, coordinated the first annual 'Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer.' Ten years later, the Cruise is still going strong. Over the course of the last nine years, the motorcycle ride has raised in excess of $590,000 for various cancer-related organizations, many of which he encountered during his treatment at St. Vincent's Hospital in Green Bay.

"The motorcycle riders have given our ride its own identity throughout these past nine years. Men, women and children fighting their own cancer battles - we care deeply about them and their families." -- Jerry