When we think of saving lives, it is important to remember that one of the ways that we “overcome” is through the “word of our testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Let me share my story.

It was life as usual during the second semester of the 2014-2015 school year. I was busy with my teaching and athletic administration duties at North Clayton High School. My six month doctor’s visit/check-up was rapidly approaching.  I was scheduled for lab work on February 19 and a doctor’s visit to review the results one week later on February 26.  It was just like clockwork.  I had been pretty consistent in taking my doctor visits to monitor my health with the exception of this one appointment.  Don’t ask me how, but I missed the appointment. Time just got away from me. Spring was a busy time for me, as I also coached track and managed six other sports during this time.

Several weeks had passed before I realized that I had missed the appointment.  Once I remembered it though, I said, “My next appointment is scheduled for July. No problem. I will follow up then.” Then July arrived. I followed my “business as usual” protocol.  Two weeks prior, I had just buried my fraternity brother who passed away from prostate cancer. When I went in for my follow-up visit, my doctor informed me that my PSA score had elevated substantially since my last visit one year earlier in July 2014. He referred me to a urologist. My urologist did a phenomenal job to keep me calm. He recommended that I have a biopsy and I did. It revealed what we suspected. I heard those three words no one ever wants to hear: “You have cancer.”

After giving me the diagnosis, my urologist gave me options and reading material to review so that my wife and I could make an informed decision about my health.  Ironically, the day that I was diagnosed with prostate cancer was the same day that my colleagues at North Clayton High School voted me Teacher of the Year!  I thought God had a sense of humor – my best day and worst nightmare happening at the same time. I was dumbfounded. After all, my fraternity line brother had just died two weeks prior from prostate cancer.

After the numbness wore off, I began to embrace that God had allowed this to happen with a purpose in mind. My wife and I prayed for God’s strength and courage as we faced this challenge. We asked God for understanding in the handling of this tough situation and he did. I prayed for God to see me through and bless me with opportunities to advocate on behalf of both those that have died from the disease and those that have survived it. I began to share my story to my friends and family with transparency, hoping that they would heed my warning and go get checked.

I reflect back on the appointment that I missed. It almost cost me my life, but God spared me to share my story. Hopefully you will help me pass the word on to other men. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. One in five (1 in 5) Black men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.  Knowledge about early detection and multiple treatment options can help defend against prostate cancer. Go get checked and stay on top of this silent killer. Time does matter.

Phen, Thomas A. Farrington, President & Founder

Prostate Health Education Network, Inc