Warrens Biography

Warren's Ride began in 2008 as a tribute to our brother in Christ, Warren Dressler. Our hope and prayer is that we can continue to raise awareness of Melanoma, educate people about prevention and raise funds to help find a cure. Warren's battle with Melanoma ended on June 25, 2008 and we rejoice that he is now at home with his wonderful Savior. However, the battle to find a cure for Melanoma continues.

Warren Dressler was the leader of the Praise Band at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Greenwood, IN. Along with his family, (his wife Sue and three children: Michael, Johnny and Sydney), he was a member of Mt. Olive and involved with its Worship Ministry for 11 years. Prior to that, he was involved with the Children's Music at Bethany Lutheran Church.

In 1996 at the age of 38, Warren was diagnosed with melanoma that appeared as a small mole on his back. Almost 12 years later this disease returned and after several months of treatment exhausted Warren's options on Earth, our Heavenly Father took Warren Home. In the midst of this, it was his faith and the faith of his family in a loving God that carried them through the ordeal and continues to carry them today.

Warren said that, "it has been the prayers of this church and other churches and individuals from so many different places, backgrounds, and denominations that has truly reminded me of The Church's embodiment of Christ. And, while I am certainly ready and more than willing to accept any physical healing that is offered to me, my ultimate prayer is for all of us to fully realize the eternal healing that has been promised and won for us through Jesus Christ. Let us then passionately seek to share that 'Love that brings you Hope' in everything that we say and do."

Melanoma Facts

- Today there are 300,000 people in the United States who have had or are now afflicted with melanoma.

- Melanoma is the most frequent cancer among women aged 25 to 29, and the second most frequent (after breast cancer) among women aged 30 to 34.

- In 1993, approximately 32,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma and 6,800 will die of it.

- Melanoma is now the seventh most common type of cancer in the U.S., and may become as common as colon cancer (presently the third most common malignancy) if steps are not taken to control it.

- The death rate from melanoma has tripled in the past four decades.

- Twenty-five percent of melanoma cases occur in people 39 years old or younger.

- Although the United States' population increased ten percent from 1980 to 1987, the number of melanomas increased 83 percent.

- What Can You and I Do? We can make people aware.

- How do we do that? We can educate ourselves, spread the word, and demand more research dollars for a melanoma cure.