My Cancer Awareness Journey
Donation protected
Last year I was diagnosed with a very aggressive type of prostate cancer. While there’s no way to know exactly how much time I have, the best guess is anywhere from 2 – 5 years from diagnosis. I hope to push past that! The one thing that I do know is that this disease has gifted me with a purpose.
My diagnosis was delayed because of my own fear. I didn’t confess my symptoms until I was in excruciating pain. Because of the unique version of my cancer, my life may have been extended, but likely not saved, with an earlier diagnosis, but it awakened me to the realization that for most people, it would make a dramatic difference.
I want to use my story to reach as many people as I can, helping them break down the barriers that they put up in fear so that they get the help they need early. The symptoms of prostate cancer can seem embarrassing to men, and the potential outcomes can be misunderstood and lead to delays in treatment that are far worse than what would have been with complete, early honesty. Even though my experience is about prostate cancer, this message applies to everyone! Early detection relies on people being aware and willing to speak up. Early detection saves lives and if I can save even one life while I still have mine, this journey will not be in vain.
To reach as many people as I can, I’m embarking on a two-month road trip, beginning in mid-August, to spread the word. I plan to speak to individuals and groups along the way and will be blogging about the experience as I go at Mybleuribbon.com (pass it along) I’m no longer able to work fulltime and medical costs take up most of my income, but I am committed to connecting with as many people as possible. The funds I’m seeking will be the key to making this trip a reality. I’ve spent countless hours upgrading my truck so that I can live out of it, and plan to spend only one night a week in a motel - or less - to give my creaky bones some sleep in a decent bed. Other expenses will include the cost of brochures to hand out, a prostate cancer ribbon for my truck, gas, food and camping fees.
This is not my journey alone. So many others have experienced delayed diagnoses, so many have suffered the ravages of cancer and other diseases, and I know there are many out there who could have better outcomes if they understood the need to speak up. I want to help them find the courage to do it.
My diagnosis was delayed because of my own fear. I didn’t confess my symptoms until I was in excruciating pain. Because of the unique version of my cancer, my life may have been extended, but likely not saved, with an earlier diagnosis, but it awakened me to the realization that for most people, it would make a dramatic difference.
I want to use my story to reach as many people as I can, helping them break down the barriers that they put up in fear so that they get the help they need early. The symptoms of prostate cancer can seem embarrassing to men, and the potential outcomes can be misunderstood and lead to delays in treatment that are far worse than what would have been with complete, early honesty. Even though my experience is about prostate cancer, this message applies to everyone! Early detection relies on people being aware and willing to speak up. Early detection saves lives and if I can save even one life while I still have mine, this journey will not be in vain.
To reach as many people as I can, I’m embarking on a two-month road trip, beginning in mid-August, to spread the word. I plan to speak to individuals and groups along the way and will be blogging about the experience as I go at Mybleuribbon.com (pass it along) I’m no longer able to work fulltime and medical costs take up most of my income, but I am committed to connecting with as many people as possible. The funds I’m seeking will be the key to making this trip a reality. I’ve spent countless hours upgrading my truck so that I can live out of it, and plan to spend only one night a week in a motel - or less - to give my creaky bones some sleep in a decent bed. Other expenses will include the cost of brochures to hand out, a prostate cancer ribbon for my truck, gas, food and camping fees.
This is not my journey alone. So many others have experienced delayed diagnoses, so many have suffered the ravages of cancer and other diseases, and I know there are many out there who could have better outcomes if they understood the need to speak up. I want to help them find the courage to do it.
Organizer
Steve Birdsall
Organizer
Tacoma, WA
