Why a Walnut?

The walnut is the size of a normal prostate. 

June 19, 2009 my life for ever changed from a wife to wife/caregiver to a prostate cancer patient. On this day it felt like I hit a brick wall full force. We were told Ray had prostate cancer. On October 12, 2009 he became a survivor. He had a prostatectomy which was suppose to take a couple hours at most. But that was not the case it was an 8 hour surgery as the cancer spread to his lymph nodes. And his prostate weighed 78 grams. Sadly this also came with side effects that have lasted 12 years. But at least he is alive! 

This is Petey The Prostate Crusader. I created him in 2009 and he has become our mascot for prostate cancer. Petey in the cowboy hat I carry with me all the time. Sometimes I will bring him out and take pictures at different places. There have been times I will hear. Hey, I know that nut! Or Ok, why a walnut? We will start talking and by the end of the conservation. The men and families will say I’m getting a PSA test. That is well worth it. I have had some men contact me as share their score or their story. They know they are not alone in their journey. 

I have made Petey scenes for Chuy’s and for survivors across the nation. A few I have went the extra mile to make a survivor smile. These are just a few of them.