WATERFORD, N.Y. -- Boston area native Skip Ciccarelli is spreading the word about prostate cancer, traveling, by water, from Chicago to New York City.

“If one person has early detection, then the paddling 1700 miles was all worth it,” said Skip Ciccarelli, 'Paddle 4 Prostate' Kayaker.

One man, 1700 miles, and one kayak, ironically called the Endurance. The very thing that has gotten him to this point in his adventure, and in his life.

“It was seven years ago. I had a very aggressive form of prostate cancer. They gave me two months to deal with it,” said Ciccarelli.

Two months, until doctors feared the cancer would spread to his bones.

“I had to learn as much as I could in a very short time,” said Ciccarelli.

Today, Ciccarelli is living cancer free, and concentrating on how to conquer as many miles as he can in a very short time. He left Chicago on June 14th.

“I'm self contained for about a week. I have freeze dried food, I have energy bars. These are some Tibetian, or maybe Buddist prayer beads that someone gave me along my trip. I'm a single paddler, but what lightens my boat is all the people who have been helping me,” said Ciccarelli.

Some have even paddled alongside him for a stretch.

“We do recommend a three hour crash course,” said Carmella Mantello, NY State Canal Corporation Director.

For some reason, expert Ciccarelli thought it was a good idea for me to try say, a 20th of a mile. He said singing helps.

He plans to reach New York City by August 9th. Seven years to the day since the surgery that saved his life. Chances are, he'll find his way with his Endurance.

To find out more about Ciccarellli's adventure go to paddle4prostate.org.