Jim Charles Battles Prostate Cancer- Ends 7-15

Hello,

Our dear friend, Jim Charles, needs our support. He has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer. He is having removal surgery at Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC on June 10. Jim is a devoted husband, father, and friend, known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. He has always been someone who lifts others up, and now, as he navigates this diagnosis, he and his family need our support.

The financial burden of medical expenses, medications, daily living expenses, travel expenses, and ongoing treatments will be overwhelming. We would like to ease his burden so he can focus on what truly matters: fighting this battle and spending time with his loved ones.

Even if you can't donate, please share. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Please see the email that Jim sent me below.

Thank you for your support,

Kelly Briggs

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Hi, Kelly,

Hope all is well in your world.

I’m reaching out to all my dear friends with some news. I was recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. The process started a few months ago when I had my yearly physical. My PSA level was 2.2. Certainly not a high number, but, slightly elevated since last year. This result sent me immediately to a urologist, who ordered an MRI, Fusion Biopsy, and then a PET Scan. The result is, I have Stage 3 Prostate Cancer. Luckily, I caught it very early! I’ve always been a determined and tenacious person. Some medical advice I was given was not as consistent as I needed, and I took it upon myself to be more assertive, continue to push for more testing, and be in control of my health. I'm proud of myself for trusting my instincts.

With President Biden’s diagnosis, there has been a lot of recent news coverage regarding Prostate Cancer. My results are the same Gleason score of 9. However, thankfully, my cancer has not metastasized anywhere else at this point. It is localized in my prostate. The doctors will remove lymph nodes during surgery and test them.

I have started hormone therapy, helping to calm the cancer down while awaiting removal surgery. My surgery is scheduled on June 10 at Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC.

Recovery from this surgery on average is 8-10 weeks. Since you’ve known me…when have I EVER slowed down for 8-10 weeks?? This diagnosis has forced me to slow down and take a deep breath. I will be out of work until August. Another adjustment.

I have a message for you and all our friends and their spouses…take control of your health. Stay on top of it. Men...have your PSA levels checked at earlier ages. Women...be sure to have your mammograms each year. Be assertive with your healthcare providers. Ask questions. Be diligent with yearly physicals and blood work. You may not have any symptoms at all like me. If some numbers are slightly off, ask for a referral. My general practitioner wasn't concerned about my PSA 2.2 result. He said he would give me a referral to a urologist "if I'd like to see one". He told me we could monitor the number and check my PSA again next year. My terrific urologist told me it was a good thing I came to see him when I did. If I had waited another year, we would be having a more dire conversation regarding my cancer. My prognosis is good. I caught this before it had spread. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

Men at younger ages are being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. In 2024, 1 in 8 men were diagnosed. I know 2 other men in my area who received the same diagnosis as me in the last year! As we age, it is so important to stay on top of our health, for ourselves and our family and friends who love us.

I’m trying my best to not upend my children’s lives and activities. My dear sister, family and friends are stepping up to help us here in our home through the summer, allowing me to fully recover.

As I enter this new chapter of my life, please keep me and my family in your prayers.

My love to you, Kelly,

Jim