Did you know prostate cancer affects one in six men? In honor of Father’s Day Teleflora has joined forces with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and a portion of sales proceeds from Teleflora’s baseball-themed bouquets will go to the organization to raise funds for research.
One of the foundation's goals is raising awareness of prostate cancer, which has been the case for women and breast cancer. To that end, I am extremely honored and grateful to be able to share the experience of a prostate cancer survivor, Charlie Wilson, lead singer of the Gap band. Here, Charlie describes how he faced this life-threatening challenge.
Charlie’s Journey
My career in the music business has truly been a journey. Highs, lows, in-betweens. From being at the top of the music charts to being homeless on the streets of Hollywood. I’ve also been blessed to be married to an angel who helped me face and overcome the biggest challenge of my life.
Regardless of the challenges that men face in life, hearing the words prostate cancer is the most frightening. It’s those two words that began a new journey and my education.
In July, 2008 I went to my doctor for a physical. No, I am not one of those men that goes to the doctor’s every year but my wife insisted that I go. It’s no secret that I had a history of alcohol and drug abuse. But I am proud to say that I have been clean and sober for the last 14 years.
Although I had no complaints or symptoms, after a routine PSA test, followed by a biopsy, the doctor said those three dreaded words, “you have cancer.” I was in shock….and scared. However, it was an early diagnosis and my urologist was confident we could eradicate it. To date, I am blessed to be in remission.
I was blessed to learn about my cancer early. The early diagnosis gave my wife and me time to do some research and make plans. We met with the urologist and oncologist, discussed the appropriate treatment and moved forward.
Part of my education on this journey taught me that 1 in every 6 men will contract prostate cancer and 1 in every 3 African American men will be diagnosed with the disease. In fact, my father is currently suffering with prostate cancer. It’s something we never discussed. I wanted to do something. I wanted to educate people. I’ve been performing for most of my life, now it was time for me to start informing.
So, I contacted the Prostate Cancer Foundation and am proud to be working with them to educate people, especially men, about this disease. I am also working to help raise much needed funds for their continued research.
What has changed in my life? I watch my diet and eat with my health in mind. I drink a lot of water and fresh fruit juices. But the true blessing comes in the blessing that I have a wife who loves and supports me. It was her urging me to get the physical that gave me an opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.
So, I urge everyone to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Go to www.unclecharliewilson.com, click on Prostate Cancer Foundation and make a donation to the Charlie Wilson Creativity Award. Your support is important to help wipe out this disease.
