I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001. After initial treatment elsewhere, I was referred to the Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU. I knew that OHSU was renowned for its leadership in making groundbreaking discoveries. What has impressed me is how much more there is to it.
Throughout my career as a Quality Assurance Engineer for major utility companies, equipment manufacturers and electronics firms, I developed a fine appreciation for processes and strict adherence to high standards. OHSU is a place with a quality attitude and quality results. I like what I see there, and I like that it’s here for all of us.
For me, OHSU is about being reassured under the watchful eye of Dr. Tom Beer, one of this country’s pre-eminent oncologists. It’s about Katie Hennessy’s prostate cancer support group, which is especially helpful when you are newly diagnosed. It’s Dr. Kerri Winters’ exercise study group, where I enjoyed the support and camaraderie of the other men in the program while participating in important research about the benefits of exercise on cancer patients. It’s about being involved with a major collaborative prostate cancer research program for the Pacific Northwest (called SPORE), plus advocacy and outreach groups to spread the word about the importance of screening and early detection.
Thanks to amazing advances in diagnosis and treatment, and people like you who have made that work possible, I am among the growing number of men who are a testament to the great strides we’ve made. We’ve come such a long way in our ability to detect and treat cancer. Together we get closer each day to the ultimate goal – the final defeat of cancer. You will make it possible with your support.
