Faces of prostate cancer - the men for whom I run...

Prostate cancer is the second leading death of cancer among men. 240,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and 30,000 others lose their lives. Odds are that you know someone who has had prostate cancer, is battling the disease right now or has unfortunately succumbed to the disease. If you haven't been touched by prostate cancer, congratulations, but odds are, unfortunately, you WILL know someone in your lifetime. 


Having a 20-year prostate cancer survivor as my father, I know more about this disease than I ever would have imagined. I am by no means an expert, but I know what works and doesn't work in Dad's case and I have been and always will be his advocate.


Obviously, the reason why I am involved with ZERO, why I beg for money and why I raise awareness is for my dad. But it is also for many other men in my life or in my friends' lives. This Sunday, when I race at the ZERO 2016 Prostate Cancer Run/Walk it will be first and foremost to honor my dad but also to honor or memorialize these men as well:
Willie L. Sitton, “Poppy”, “Uncle Bill”

Poppy is the father of my dear friend, Gloria, and my "South Carolina Daddy". The first time I met him, we instantly connected and I knew this was a genuine and special man with which I was conversing - the epitome of a downhome, traditional, Southern gentleman.

In November 2014, at the age of 81, Poppy was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  He was diagnosed during a routine checkup in which his PSA had risen significantly since his prior checkup.  An MRI was then conducted and cancer was confirmed. The tumor was so small that Poppy's doctor recommended intense radiation for a month and a half instead of surgery, which at his age would have been more dangerous than the cancer itself. After deciding to take prostate cancer head on, I am proud to say that on May 19, 2015, Poppy had his last radiation treatment and rang the bell at the finish line! Poppy is a perfect example of how routine checkups are important and early detection is key!  He is continuing with hormone therapy and is on medicine for nausea and another to relax the prostate area. Poppy is an example of how we should never give up!

"The race is not a sprint. It's a marathon! Keep going!"
Farrell Thomas

In 2013, Farrell, Gloria's cousin by marriage and part of my South Carolina family, was diagnosed at the young age of 42 with a PSA of 5. (For a point of reference, my dad was diagnosed at the age of 47 with a PSA of 26.)  Farrell's doctor told him he had not seen many men as young as he diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Farrell had robotic surgery to remove the prostate and his PSA has been 0 ever since! He is a perfect example of how prostate cancer can affect any man - regardless of age - and how early detection is key! Farrell continues to have PSA tests every six months and is thankful to God for his recovery and for the support of his incredible wife, Gina.

Tony Wilson

I met Tony when he was 36 years old back in 1996. Tony was full of life, athletic and a devoted father of two young boys. Tony was part of my everyday life when my dad was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

About a year after we met, Tony moved to Colorado and while we kept in a touch for a while, it wasn't long before life got in the way and we lost touch for many years.  Three years ago, our paths crossed again and I was shocked and sad to hear that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in October of 2011 at the age of 51. At the time of diagnosis, Tony was only four years older than my dad at his time of diagnosis and my heart shuddered to think that he had gone through this battle at such a young age and alone.

When Tony was diagnosed, his PSA was 46! He endured hormone therapy and Cyberknife radiation treatments - five directly to the prostate and 23 to the surrounding lymph nodes. His treatment was completed in March 2012 and he has had negative PSAs ever since. He's physically doing well, is appreciative of every day that the Lord has given him and wholeheartedly believes in the power of prayer.

Glenn Poe

Natalie, my friend and Glenn's daughter, was happy to share his story with me. Glenn was diagnosed in 1992 at the age of 54. His prostate cancer was diagnosed through a routine checkup and he had a PSA of 4.5.

Glenn was told that if his cancer was inoperable he had five to six years to live and if it was operable he had 10 to 12 years to live.  Glenn has surpassed the doctor's expectations because he is now 78 years old!

He endured radiation and surgery in which his urologist said the cancer was well contained and he was able to "get it all".  Twenty-four years later, Glenn is still cancer free and continues to have a PSA of 0.1! He has always had an unshakeable fear of the 10-12 year survival comment and while now feeling physically healthy, he remains heartbroken over the loss of his amazing wife to ovarian cancer in December 2012.  Natalie attributes her father's survival to early detection which yielded great results!

Lou Manne

Lou, my friend Adam's dad, was diagnosed at the age of 80 by way of a routine blood test during his annual physical.  Lou endured radiation and chemotherapy with his last treatment being in December 2014. A native, New Yorker, Lou now enjoys life between living in Las Vegas and Bali, Indonesia. Once he got a clean bill of health in the U.S., he couldn't wait to go back to Bali and enjoy the good life again! I can't blame him! He will continue follow up appointments and routine PSAs when he returns to Vegas.

 Gary Pugh

I've known Gary for the majority of my life. I grew up with

his daughter, Kari, and his son, Casey. Their mother, Sheila, was my mom's best friend and my "second mom" until we unfortunately lost her in November 2003. 

In 2013, Gary's PSA slowly started to increase but was still only at a 2.5. His doctor suggested Gary see a urologist when it was at 4.5 at which time a biopsy was conducted. In September 2014, Gary was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 67. In February 2015, he opted to have surgery to remove the prostate to hopefully eliminate the risk of his cancer returning.

Ironically, his urologist is the protégé of my dad's urologist who diagnosed him back in 1997. Gary is in great hands because Dr. Desai is a mini me of Dr. Lou and extremely proactive! Another example how early detection and a proactive doctor is key!

Bill

In 2003, at the age of 71, Bill's PSA was a 5 and had symptoms of problematic urination. His doctor recommended a biopsy which confirmed prostate cancer and that same year Bill had a radical prostatectomy. In 2004, Bill's PSA started to increase again. A small spot was found and he went through radiation. I'm happy to say he has been cancer free ever since with a PSA of 0.1.

Clarence R. Moore

Clarence is my dad's grandfather who was diagnosed in the 1960s with prostate cancer had cobalt radiation treatment because it was the only option at that point in time. He was a master electrician and died in 1968. I, unfortunately, was not able to meet my great grandfather who my dad remembers fondly. I feel he passed on many of his genuine traits to his great grandson.

Art Campbell

I never got the pleasure of meeting Art, but I often feel as if I know him through his son. Art was diagnosed with prostate cancer with a PSA in the single digits but it slowly increased over time. After radiation and chemotherapy, it eventually metastasized to the bone and caused much pain in the pelvic area and broken bones.  At the age of 83, Art lost his battle as a result of prostate-cancer related complications.
The following are additional men who have been affected by prostate cancer for whom I vowed to walk. Unfortunately, I have not been given photos or stories but will share what I know.

I will also be racing in honor or memory of the following men:

• Avery Williams, survivor and friend
• Ron DeFreitas, survivor and friend, currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation
• the father of my cousin, Gail Moore
• the father of my friend, Nancy Kotney
• the father of my friend, Paula Calvin
• Robert Pearles, the grandfather of Kerri Beroza (Certified Specialist of Wine, Ingleside Vineyards)
• Ron Klebacher, father of my friend, Honora Klebacher - survivor of prostate (and colon) cancer
• the father of Laura Brletic (owner of Confections Cupcakery)
• Tony Keyes, four year survivor and husband of Dawn Keyes (Old Hickory Golf Club)
• Gerry Moore, survivor and father of my high school friend, Jenny
• Sy Estep, maternal grandfather of my favorite guy

Rob Harris

While Rob did not have prostate cancer, I am adding him to my list of men for whom I walk because: 1) he was the son of a very good friend of mine; and 2) the way he fought his battle is one that should be showcased and admired.  On November 29, 2015, Rob was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma, characterized as Stage 4 small cell lung cancer.  His prognosis for survival without chemo was 3-6 months and with chemo and radiation was a year. Rob was not satisfied with simply extending his life while enduring the ravages of traditional chemo and radiation. After much research and soul searching, he decided to fight this disease with a non-traditional approach - starting with a complete raw diet of organic vegetables and fruit to detoxify his body followed by treatment protocols including immunotherapy and was gone for over a month.. abroad.  (Check out www.gersontreatment.com for more info.) 

I am horribly sad to say that Rob lost his valiant battle to cancer on March 24, 2016; never giving up, always staying positive and doing it HIS way. In the words of his heartbroken father, and one of my favorite people, Bob, "During the last month, he was in horrible pain. But, to talk with him, you would never have known it. Positive and upbeat until the end. He was actually thanking all the nursing staff for all that they did until hours before he passed away. Rob was an amazing and thoughtful person who loved his family, loved his son unconditionally, loved life and lived it to the fullest, and was an unwavering friend." May we all learn from Rob and remain Harris Strong!

Through me, these men will never be alone, will never be forgotten and they will continue to have a voice.

It's not too late to make a donation and help me put an end to this wretched disease!  2.8 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year!! Please help me create Generation Zero!


http://support.zerocancer.org/site/TR/RunWalk/RunWalk16?px=1102458&pg=personal&fr_id=1082