Paying It Forward January 15, 2021 My experience with ZERO’s Grow & Give campaign has been part of my catharsis. The year 2020, aside from COVID-19, was a challenging year for me. I was diagnosed in December of 2019 with prostate cancer and had my prostatectomy in March, just as the pandemic hit.While I was able to quietly recuperate from my surgery, I didn’t share my experience with many. After my six month check-in with my doctor in Boston, and an “all clear” diagnosis, I started to tell people outside of my close circle of friends my prostate cancer story. I find men don’t like to talk about their cancer. That has to stop.It’s only by talking about prostate cancer that other men, and women, will be made aware of the risks.I’m very grateful for the fact that I found ZERO and the support I needed through their ZERO MENtor program. I was matched with a mentor, a man who has already gone through a similar prostate cancer journey, who could help me with so many of my unanswered questions. My ZERO MENtor was a huge help in getting me talking where speaking with him was a safe space. I encourage any prostate cancer patient, no matter their situation, to learn more about this program.Spreading prostate cancer awareness became my priority, but I didn’t quite know how. Once I heard about ZERO’s Grow & Give Campaign, I realized I found my opportunity. So I created my personal Grow & Give page which told a bit of my story and started to try and fundraise. I wanted to set a very high goal, one that would keep me motivated, so I settled on $2,000. Then I had to get the word out any way I could. Raising funds as part of Grow & Give allowed me the opportunity to tell my story on social media. I was overwhelmed by the response. I had so many friends on Facebook wishing me well and asking about my cancer, and donating to the cause! And WOW, did they donate. I’ve raised over $4,000 so far in the fight to end prostate cancer.My work with ZERO isn’t done. I’ve come a long way since those early days of not wanting anyone to know about my cancer. Now, I want to do whatever I can to help other men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, so I’ve signed up to be a ZERO MENtor. This is one way I can pay it forward — being the shoulder for a prostate cancer patient to lean on — by offering support and help during an overwhelming time.The year 2020 is now behind us. Physically, I am past my surgery. Psychologically, I still have things to process but I am moving forward. Sharing my story was a big part of that process.Paul’s fundraising for ZERO’s Grow & Give campaign was truly a success. At time of publication, Paul’s total is $4,769! Even though November has passed, you can still donate to Paul’s fundraiser by clicking this link. If you’d like to know more about ZERO, its programs, or how to get involved, email info@zerocancer.org.Written by Paul Lewandowski. Paul Lewandowski was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December of 2019. As he recovered from surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, he had time to reflect on his disease. He now wants to make sure to spread prostate cancer awareness to men, and women, about this disease that claims a man’s life every 16 minutes.Paul chose to fundraise for ZERO during the 2020 Grow & Give campaign and so far his total donations are at $4,769. Advocacy Blog Posts Spreading Awareness More for you
My experience with ZERO’s Grow & Give campaign has been part of my catharsis. The year 2020, aside from COVID-19, was a challenging year for me. I was diagnosed in December of 2019 with prostate cancer and had my prostatectomy in March, just as the pandemic hit.While I was able to quietly recuperate from my surgery, I didn’t share my experience with many. After my six month check-in with my doctor in Boston, and an “all clear” diagnosis, I started to tell people outside of my close circle of friends my prostate cancer story. I find men don’t like to talk about their cancer. That has to stop.It’s only by talking about prostate cancer that other men, and women, will be made aware of the risks.I’m very grateful for the fact that I found ZERO and the support I needed through their ZERO MENtor program. I was matched with a mentor, a man who has already gone through a similar prostate cancer journey, who could help me with so many of my unanswered questions. My ZERO MENtor was a huge help in getting me talking where speaking with him was a safe space. I encourage any prostate cancer patient, no matter their situation, to learn more about this program.Spreading prostate cancer awareness became my priority, but I didn’t quite know how. Once I heard about ZERO’s Grow & Give Campaign, I realized I found my opportunity. So I created my personal Grow & Give page which told a bit of my story and started to try and fundraise. I wanted to set a very high goal, one that would keep me motivated, so I settled on $2,000. Then I had to get the word out any way I could. Raising funds as part of Grow & Give allowed me the opportunity to tell my story on social media. I was overwhelmed by the response. I had so many friends on Facebook wishing me well and asking about my cancer, and donating to the cause! And WOW, did they donate. I’ve raised over $4,000 so far in the fight to end prostate cancer.My work with ZERO isn’t done. I’ve come a long way since those early days of not wanting anyone to know about my cancer. Now, I want to do whatever I can to help other men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, so I’ve signed up to be a ZERO MENtor. This is one way I can pay it forward — being the shoulder for a prostate cancer patient to lean on — by offering support and help during an overwhelming time.The year 2020 is now behind us. Physically, I am past my surgery. Psychologically, I still have things to process but I am moving forward. Sharing my story was a big part of that process.Paul’s fundraising for ZERO’s Grow & Give campaign was truly a success. At time of publication, Paul’s total is $4,769! Even though November has passed, you can still donate to Paul’s fundraiser by clicking this link. If you’d like to know more about ZERO, its programs, or how to get involved, email info@zerocancer.org.Written by Paul Lewandowski. Paul Lewandowski was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December of 2019. As he recovered from surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, he had time to reflect on his disease. He now wants to make sure to spread prostate cancer awareness to men, and women, about this disease that claims a man’s life every 16 minutes.Paul chose to fundraise for ZERO during the 2020 Grow & Give campaign and so far his total donations are at $4,769.
