Success Stories

Breaking the Silence

“Ain’t God Good”

After my diagnosis for prostate cancer 2015, I began to share my story to with whoever wanted to listen. I started with family and friends and expanded to men in general. Some listened while others shrugged it off as a personal matter. As I shared with several people, there was one thing that stood out.  Several of my friends and even new acquaintances did not reveal they too had earlier diagnoses. I asked why the secrecy. They replied, “Men just don’t talk about their ‘plumbing’, rectal exams, and lab scores.” It mattered to me because I knew if someone had shared awareness and educated me it might have helped me be more on top of my health. I knew the urgency in making others aware could save lives. Timing is of the essence.

While sharing my story with several friends, one in particular asked me some additional questions while golfing and noted he had not checked his prostate in a year. I encouraged him to go get checked and he did. He called me a few weeks later and shared their findings. He too had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He followed up with his doctors and had things taken care of. We visited him in the hospital during his recovery. We talked about our shared experience and its impact on our lives, but more importantly our families.

He said, “Henry, I need to tell you something.” I responded, “What do you mean?” He replied, “You may have saved my life. Had I not gone to doctor when I did, there is no telling what may have happened.” This was a fractal moment. We teared up for a few seconds. Then we laughed and said, “Ain’t God good.” My friend is now a cancer survivor as well. Both of us continue to share our stories with others in hopes of making a difference in how men view critical health issues, especially prostate cancer. Being diagnosed with cancer does not necessarily mean a death sentence. However, failure to stay abreast and have regular screenings could cost you and your family. Saving one life matters, especially if it happens to be one of your best friends. You see, God has a plan, and that was part of His plan.

“ Iron sharpens Iron”

— Quote Source