”You have cancer” are three words I could never have imagined hearing, and yet, two weeks ago I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, the number one cancer in young men aged 15-44 years old.
While my cancer journey is just beginning, I realize how fortunate I am to have access to an incredible team of medical professionals at Penn Medicine, while so many young men have neither geographic access nor the financial resources to get the care they need.
This year for my birthday, I’m hoping to raise as much funding as possible for the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation, an organization solely focused on saving young men’s lives by raising awareness of this quite common but heavily stigmatized disease through education and self-testing, in addition to supplying nominal financial grants to those with immediate financial needs.
Awareness starts with breaking down the stigma. Here’s my deal: on Tuesday, Oct 11, my treatment journey begins with a procedure called an orchiectomy, a full removal of the diseased testicle and spermatic cords. It’ll be followed up with additional diagnostic testing to assess staging and potential spread, which will determine future treatment pathways. I remain confident and optimistic I’ll beat this, but that’s because I know I’m fortunate enough to be in the hands of an incredibly talented team and supported by an unshakeable and determined circle of loving family and friends and the most incredible and steadfast partner.
If I can give a ball, you can give a damn. Please help with a small donation in honor of my birthday and to help all the other young men out there who need to be educated on self-testing before it’s too late, or those enduring economic crisis who need funding to access life-saving treatment.
Together, let’s help spread the word, end the stigma, and save young lives.
#ItTakesBalls
With love,
Brandon
