EDMONDS—In his many years as a travel writer, TV host, and tourism personality, Rick Steves has spent countless hours at Hollywood galas, in cozy Swiss chalets, and backpacking Western Asia from Turkey to Pakistan. But it seems no matter where he goes, he will always call Snohomish County home.
The 69-year-old Edmonds celebrity is known far beyond the Seattle area for his enthusiastic and informative travel programming, specifically the popular Rick Steves’ Europe show. His travel and tour business is headquartered in downtown Edmonds, and his website offers a variety of tour options for all sorts of tourists, from nervous newbies to red-eyed hippie backpackers (a camp that a young Steves fell into in the 1970s).
Steves is also a big name in social advocacy. In 2017, he donated a $4 million dollar Lynnwood apartment complex to the YWCA, intended for sheltering “homeless women and kids.” Steves prominently supported cannabis legalization, giving a speech at the 2010 Seattle Hempfest, and also reportedly donates $1 million annually to environmental causes.
The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center received a jump start with a $3 million gift from Steves. The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center is a collaboration between Volunteers of America, Trinity Lutheran Church, Steves and the Greater South Snohomish County community at large.
On August 21, Steves shared his prostate cancer diagnosis on social media. Despite the bad news, the positivity and lightheartedness that the travel guru’s fans have come to expect were fully present in his statement.
I’d like to take a moment to share some important news. I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. My doctor assures me that, if you’re going to get cancer, this is a good kind to get, and careful scans show no sign of it having spread. There is a clear path forward to getting… pic.twitter.com/1HpZFQrCwI
Fortunately, Steves said that there were “no signs of [the cancer] having spread.” With a September date for prostate surgery, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle has the “great trust” of Steves, who brings his “positive attitude” to match Fred Hutch’s “modern medicine and the army of amazing, smart, and dedicated people that make it possible.”
Steves signed off with a “PS: I’ll keep you posted.” His work in tourism is ongoing; he plans to finish filming two shows in France before returning to Seattle to tackle his cancer diagnosis. Steves also has an upcoming book, “On The Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer”, which is projected for a February 2025 public release.
Author: Kayvon Bumpus
One Response
Wow! Rick, you’re on the right path for treatment. If you’re gonna have cancer, go to Fred Hutch. They cured my cancer and they’ll cure yours too.
Thank you for always showing us that doors will open as long as our hearts are open. And, that high is a great place to be.
Looking fwd to your book on France so I can use it on my next venture through Europe.
Sending you healing vibes of love.
PamH
Seattle Hempfest Hemposium Stage