Routine Checkup to Stage IV: A Lifesaving Story Jump To Events Awareness Education Support Community Advocacy More Guido didn’t see it coming. No family history. No warning signs. No symptoms at all.Guido, a 47-year-old IT Director at Chicago Public Schools and more importantly, a husband and father. He is a golfer, a soccer player, and a guy who felt completely healthy when he walked into a routine physical in December 2022 mentioning nothing more than fatigue. This appointment changed Guido’s life forever.Guido’s doctor suspected low testosterone. A referral to an endocrinologist led to testosterone therapy. And that therapy, as Guido would soon discover, was igniting a fire he didn’t know was burning.About a month into the therapy, routine bloodwork revealed a PSA level of 38.4. For context, the normal range is 0 to 4. Guido had never even heard of a PSA test. What he also learned later was that testosterone can inflame the prostate–and feed prostate cancer. His endocrinologist called immediately to stop treatment.While this is happening, Guido continues to live an active lifestyle and a fully engaged family man. No symptoms, no pain, no disruption to daily life.By October 2023, after a urologist detected a growth on his prostate and ordered an MRI, biopsy, and PET scan, Guido received the diagnosis: stage IV prostate cancer–all 12 biopsy samples returned positive.What followed this diagnosis was a grueling but determined journey. Hormone deprivation therapy, surgery to remove his prostate in June 2024, and 39 rounds of radiation in early 2025. This was followed by a PSA test every three months. And every three months, Guido and family hold their breath as they wait for the results.Then came the words he never thought he’d hear–you can consider yourself cancer-free.A few weeks later, Guido turned 50–surrounded by his family and friends in the city he’s called home for 25 years. “It was truly the best birthday of my life,” he says.Guido’s message is simple and it could save you or your loved one’s life: get the PSA test. It’s a simple blood test you can add to your annual physical. Don’t wait for symptoms–because there often aren’t any.Guido was 47 and felt completely healthy. That PSA test saved his life.Each year, Guido runs the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Chicago for the men who haven’t got that PSA yet. For the husbands, dads, brothers, uncles, and friends who don’t know what PSA stands for. For the guys who feel fine and assume they are fine.“I’m here because I want other men to find ZERO before they need it and to know you’re not alone when you do.”This year, ZERO’s Run/Walk is coming to a community near you and we need you there. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps ZERO save lives through advocacy, awareness, education, and support services.Register for a Run/Walk today at zerocancer.run to help us save lives. Bring a friend and share Guido’s story.
Guido didn’t see it coming. No family history. No warning signs. No symptoms at all.Guido, a 47-year-old IT Director at Chicago Public Schools and more importantly, a husband and father. He is a golfer, a soccer player, and a guy who felt completely healthy when he walked into a routine physical in December 2022 mentioning nothing more than fatigue. This appointment changed Guido’s life forever.Guido’s doctor suspected low testosterone. A referral to an endocrinologist led to testosterone therapy. And that therapy, as Guido would soon discover, was igniting a fire he didn’t know was burning.About a month into the therapy, routine bloodwork revealed a PSA level of 38.4. For context, the normal range is 0 to 4. Guido had never even heard of a PSA test. What he also learned later was that testosterone can inflame the prostate–and feed prostate cancer. His endocrinologist called immediately to stop treatment.While this is happening, Guido continues to live an active lifestyle and a fully engaged family man. No symptoms, no pain, no disruption to daily life.By October 2023, after a urologist detected a growth on his prostate and ordered an MRI, biopsy, and PET scan, Guido received the diagnosis: stage IV prostate cancer–all 12 biopsy samples returned positive.What followed this diagnosis was a grueling but determined journey. Hormone deprivation therapy, surgery to remove his prostate in June 2024, and 39 rounds of radiation in early 2025. This was followed by a PSA test every three months. And every three months, Guido and family hold their breath as they wait for the results.Then came the words he never thought he’d hear–you can consider yourself cancer-free.A few weeks later, Guido turned 50–surrounded by his family and friends in the city he’s called home for 25 years. “It was truly the best birthday of my life,” he says.Guido’s message is simple and it could save you or your loved one’s life: get the PSA test. It’s a simple blood test you can add to your annual physical. Don’t wait for symptoms–because there often aren’t any.Guido was 47 and felt completely healthy. That PSA test saved his life.Each year, Guido runs the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Chicago for the men who haven’t got that PSA yet. For the husbands, dads, brothers, uncles, and friends who don’t know what PSA stands for. For the guys who feel fine and assume they are fine.“I’m here because I want other men to find ZERO before they need it and to know you’re not alone when you do.”This year, ZERO’s Run/Walk is coming to a community near you and we need you there. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps ZERO save lives through advocacy, awareness, education, and support services.Register for a Run/Walk today at zerocancer.run to help us save lives. Bring a friend and share Guido’s story.
