Ironton, Ohio 2017

Washington Township, Ohio 2017

Ashland, Ohio 2017

New Bern, North Carolina 2017

Thank you Mayor Dana Outlaw and the City of New Bern for you continued support with raising awareness for prostate cancer. I am so blessed to have your support as are the men and families who are battling this horrible disease. I hope that soon I can met you and Council in person to say Thank you!

On this day...

June 19, 2009 my life forever changed. I went from a wife to a caregiver to a prostate cancer patient aka my husband. When I share with others the diagnosis. Some will say...how does this effect you it is a men's disease? It does effect the caregivers in ways some do not understand. I will not give up trying to raise awareness for prostate cancer in Ohio and on Capitol Hill. Since 2012 we have attended the ZERO Summit in Washington, DC and speak with Senators and Congress for their support for research and funding. My first trip to DC is one that I will remember forever. September 13, 2012 about 15 minutes before our meeting with #SenatorBrown at 8:30am. I took a SPILL on Capitol Hill and broke my leg. You are probably thinking I went to the ER. Nope, we made it to the first, second and third meeting that day. Those from the Summit who seen me on the Hill. Said that is dedication! Just to important to not have my voice heard. #RepBeatty has been so encouraging in helping to raise awareness for this horrible disease. On our 32nd Wedding Anniversary September 28, 2015. She spoke to Congress about what we have been doing by requesting Proclamations and Resolutions from Elected Officcials in Cities, Villages and Townships in Ohio to help also raise awareness and attending Council meetings and speaking to them as well. Thank you to those that have supported prostate cancer in your Community! It means a lot to the families who are battling and those who have lost the battle. Last year though Representative Beatty's office I request a flag be flown over the Capitol in honor and memory of the families of prostate cancer. A new branch of my family tree! Heather Harris Bishoff was also so encouraging with the support she gave us along the way. One simple Tweet is all it took! Thank you! When testifying at the Statehouse and being able to do so with you about the USPSTF made it a little easier. Thank you Mayor Rich Harman for all of the support you have done in Woodville, Ohio!

It has been hard and I can honestly say that now I suffer with anxiety, depression, emotional overload and insomminia. Last night the sandman forgot to stop here until about 2am and back awake a few hours later. :(

Before the changes in my life I never heard of the prostate. This tiny little organ is the size of a walnut and is the cause of so much heart ache. When you try and talk about it people run the other way. There is my creative way to start a conservation. His name is Petey the Prostate Crusader made from a walnut. Now you know why a walnut! I take him with me and depending the occasion he comes out for photos. Once he comes out people either get curious and ask questions or they completely understand and share their Journey.

We still have along way to go in getting the support from #TheWhiteHouse and #PresidentTrump in lighting the White House Blue in September. How about an invitation to hear our Journeys at the White House. On my Bucket List!

New Albany, Ohio 2017

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month

Whereas, Prostate cancer constitutes 19% of all cancer diagnoses and 8% of all cancer deaths; and

Whereas, In Ohio an estimated 5,840 new cases of prostate cancer and an estimated 1,020 deaths will occur; and

Whereas, Men with relatives – father, brother, son – with a history of prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease; and

Whereas, Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to get prostate cancer; and

Whereas, Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed cancer in American Men and the third leading cause of cancer death behind lung and colon cancer; and

Whereas, this year approximately 161,360 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States alone every year – that’s one man every 3.3 minutes and roughly 26,730 die this year from the disease – which is one man every 20 minutes; and

Whereas, 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. For unknown reasons, the risk of prostate cancer is 74% higher in black men than in non-Hispanic white men; and

Whereas, Education regarding prostate cancer and early detection strategies is critical to saving lives, preserving, and protecting our families; and

Whereas, all men are at risk for prostate cancer and we encourage the citizens of (City) to increase the importance of prostate screenings.

Thank you for from a Caregiver!

Thank you to all the Senators and others who have accepted my Friend Request. June 19, 2009 my life forever changed from wife to caregiver. On this day my husband and I heard those devistating words no man wants to hear. Prostate cancer! Even worse people telling you. That is the best cancer too have. Really!

Since become a caregiver I also have become a Advocate for prostate cancer awareness in Ohio and on Capitol Hill. We have been in many of your offices on the Hill sharing our Journey along with others from across the nation. We also ask that you sign the Dear Colleague letter to continue funding for the Prostate Cancer Research Program.
Thank you for listening while we are sharing. You make not understand how much it means too us!

Please sign the 2018 Prostate Cancer Research Program Senate Dear Colleague letter.

This is my story.....
A caregivers prospective

Where's Petey

 Where's Petey? Retweet if you find him! Did you know June is Men's Health Month? #GotMyPSA #prostatecancer #PSAtest #walnut