In 2002, I was living in California. I’d gone to a free prostate cancer screening. A few days later, I got the call –”you have traces of prostate cancer.” I was stunned!
But, I was a young man and relatively healthy – so, this had to be a mistake!
“Traces of prostate cancer” shouldn’t be that big of a deal. I went on with life, but did get regular checkups to make sure my PSA numbers did not get out of control.
Well, if my ‘traces of cancer’ situation were not enough, in 2008 I lost my home in the mortgage crisis. And, I went through a divorce. I had no where to go, no where to turn. I was at the lowest point possible. No home, a divorce, AND cancer. I lived in my car with every possession I had.
Then, in 2012 my PSA number shot up from 10 to 19!
Now, I felt really desperate and afraid. I’d gotten a job and was living in Hot Springs. One morning, traveling through town, I saw a billboard – “Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.”
I grabbed a notepad and scribbled down the number on the sign. I figured it was at least worth a call. What did I have to lose? My PSA numbers were bad and over, and getting worse. I didn’t know how long I had to live.
I called Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation that afternoon. That day, Tuesday, September 30, 2014, and that call to Cara Clements at the Foundation truly saved my life!!
Cara, the Patient Navigator, was understanding, compassionate and so patient with all my questions. She explained that the Foundation only exists because people like you give, to support men with prostate cancer.
We spent a lot of time on the phone. She was amazing and put me at ease. She even had answers about insurance.
Cara encouraged me to see a urologist who specialized in prostate cancer. She gave me referrals and I chose one in Little Rock who had a lot of experience in robotic surgery.
It was then I knew I had the right people behind me, helping me feel better and more confident. I had surgery on October 29, 2014. Since then, I’ve had the recommended radiation treatments.
Like many men, I have issues with incontinence, it’s a side effect. I also take very expensive hormone therapy injections every 3 months to help battle the cancer.
Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover the total cost of the expensive injections. And, I’ve never fully recovered from the 2008 financial disaster. I’m nearly 70 years old and it’s been a really tough road. But, I’m so thankful for the Foundation. Cara is faithful to follow up and I recently shared with her about the expensive injections. She told me that the Foundation has a new program, the Patient Access to Care Program and that it may be able to help cover some of the costs!
She told me that your gifts make this program possible!
Needless to say, I was eager to learn more. She walked me through the application process right then and there on the phone. Within a week I got the call letting me know that the Patient Access to Care Program would help pay some of my medical expenses. I was so happy… and thankful! Thankful to everyone who makes a donation to make this program possible.
I’m feeling good now and I’m diligent to see my doctor every 6 months. I realize I’ll be receiving some type of treatment the rest of my life – but thanks to your gifts to Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, I’m alive today! I often tell Cara that the Foundation saved my life. She reminds me that it’s only possible because people like you give generously.
The financial assistance from the Patient Access to Care Program has really helped me. But, there are more men who need help, just like me.
When you give, the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation can help men battling prostate cancer who are also struggling financially.
Believe me, there are a lot of men out there that feel like they must delay treatment because they can’t afford the cost.
Will you please make a gift of $25, $50, or $250 today to support the Patient Access to Care Program? You can save a man’s life…just like mine.
Sincerely,
Richard*
Prostate Cancer Survivor and
Patient Access to Care Program Recipient
P.S. Please, if you can make your gift by April 8 that will help men who are
struggling now.
P.P.S. My father and two older brothers had their own battles with prostate cancer. Unlike me, they had NO support. Your gift to the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation ensures men don’t fight this battle alone.
*Name is changed to protect the privacy of our patients.
