Tell Us What Connected You to This Organization
I was diagnosed with stage five prostate cancer (PCa) on Oct. 13, 2014. My PSA was 552.2 (normal<4) with Metastases to the left ureter lymph nodes, collapsing the ureter and causing left kidney atrophy.
In 2015 at the Surf City marathon, I wore my 1st of dozens of bibs on my back to exhort men to get screened, it said "Advanced Prostate Cancer Chemo starts next week Guys get checked." I did 30 marathons and at each I had a bib to tell men to get screened, later bibs I honored dozens of men taken by PCa with their names on my back.
What Inspires You About the Organization, Mission, or Your Role
My raison d'être has become to educate men about PCa and get as many screened, especially if their is PCa or BRCa in the family. I have the ZERO Prostate Cancer 5k run/walk in Bakersfield on Nov. 4, 2023 and I formed Team Kam Ohana to raise funds for research and education. I also ran four NYC marathons via ZERO and raised $3,000 each time. In 2019, on the Camino Frances in Spain, over 5 days (69.65 miles) I placed blue ribbons on signs in September for PCa Awareness month.
I've had 39 chemotherapy sessions (15 in 2015, six in 2020, 18 in 2021 and 2022) and last Spring completed 28 IMRT radiation sessions. My PSA has responded and is currently at 2.9. On Oct. 13, 2023 I will have walked 552.2 miles to mark my ninth year in this journey.
Share Advice
Volunteer at a ZERO event or join a Team and spread awareness or raise funds. Tell my tale to men over 50, whether they're family, friends, or co-workers. Share my story on social media and as I say "Make Ripples and Spread Aloha."
Nominate Someone: Help highlight Lion Acts of Service by giving a fellow Lion a shoutout. If you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know.