In our prostate cancer world, getting 2nd opinions is critical. It’s easy to find a medical second opinion, and you can have your pathology reread by the best. But MRIs – that’s been challenging.
Founder and Developer, Randall Jones, PhD, explains the technology and its uses. Hosted by AnCan Advisory Board Member and prostate cancer peer, Cdr. Mike Crosby
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AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Bayer, Novartis, Johnson and Johnson, Myriad Genetics, Telix, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine. Views expressed in this Recording are solely the opinion of AnCan Foundation, our Moderators, and Participants.
AnCan does not accept sponsored promotions. Any drugs, protocols, or devices discussed are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence. AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
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What ASCO is to cancer doctors, AACR (American Association for Cancer Research) is to cancer researchers. When AACR held its annual convention in April, a small number of patient advocates were invited to participate as part of AACR’s Scientist-Survivor Program.
Representing AnCan, I was one of 42 advocates chosen from more than 200 applicants. The AACR has long recognized the need for patient involvement in cancer research — the SSP program began 28 years ago.
It’s a convention within a convention. Every day we heard from lucid and charismatic speakers, some of them presenting slides that they would later present at the convention. Talks included
State of the Art of Precision Oncology – Edward Kim, a chief physician at City of Hope
Very Early Cancer Detection Assays – Caris Life Sciences president David Spetzler
Drug Discovery and Development – Paul Workman, of the Institute of Cancer Research in London
Evolution of Resistance – Carlo Maley of Arizona State University
Each talk was inspiring, but my favorite was Workman’s. A legendary figure in cancer drug discovery, he argued that by probing deeply into how a drug works before clinical trials, researchers can identify in advance which patients are most likely to benefit. Many drugs written off as failures actually work remarkably well for a small subset of patients. Yet those patients will never get the treatment, because the drug was judged on its lack of effect in the wider population.
We were split into 6-person groups, each assigned a mentor scientist. In my group, that was Jeremy Mason, a young computational biologist at UCLA.
Advocates were required to present a poster at one of the general poster sessions. Mine showed AnCan’s unique benefit to cancer patients and others with chronic illness. Anchoring the poster was a quote from Dr. Paul Schellhammer, AnCan-er and past president of the American Urological Association:
I will comment that the level of diligence, expertise, and discussion rises to the level of an academic GU cancer conference / tumor board.
Most overwhelming for me was the passion and hard work of my fellow advocates, whose efforts included raising millions of dollars for research funding, helping create a research institute for a rare cancer, harnessing programming skills to codevelop AI with a cancer researcher, and initating an early-detection campaign for gay men at risk of anal cancer.
It’s always incredibly difficult to say goodbye to members of our AnCan community, as each person—whether a patient, survivor, carepartner, volunteer, moderator, or a board or advisory board member—means so much to us. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ken Mason, who was one of those cherished individuals.
A true friend, Ken lived his life with an infectious zest that inspired everyone around him. His laughter was a melody that brightened the darkest days, and his kindness knew no bounds. Whether he was sharing a clever (or terrible) joke, offering a shoulder to lean on, or simply lending an attentive ear, Ken made everyone feel valued and loved. His sincerity was a rare gem, shining brightly through his genuine interactions with friends and strangers alike. A man of both humor and heart, Ken’s legacy will continue to touch lives and bring smiles for generations to come.
AnCan Founder Rick Davis said:
I loved this man.
News of Ken’s demise was just like one of his crummy jokes – no one wanted to hear it.
Ken cared so much for others. Gary described his beloved as ’empathy, silliness and love’ exuding ‘kindness’. I might add to those qualities his quick wit and sense of humor. I feel honored to have been frequently on the receiving end of Ricklesian insults.
I had the privilege of supporting Ken virtually from around 2013 onwards through his four cancers. While all relatively benign, Ken shouldered the anxiety like the trooper (or MP??) he always was. Whatever bothered Mason was never the cancer.
Mason, as he self identified, was a treasured moderator for our AnCan virtual support groups. He always empathized. If a pressing issue was not voiced, Ken surfaced and addressed it. Every Group he attended is grieving.
I will forever miss Ken’s homespun, invariably impractical advice offered with the very best of intentions. I became expert in dismissing them without offending him, and was comforted when I read he offered comparable suggestions to Howard Wolinsky.
We had the privilege of meeting several times, the first with Gary when they came to dinner. It’s timely that I recently opened the balsamic you both gave me. Ken, G-d Rest His Soul, lived so much of his life in the present right to the meditation retreat at the very end. I doubt he would have planned his demise better.
Myself as well as all who knew Mason at AnCan offer Gary and Family much comfort. For us and all who knew Ken, his memory will always be a blessing.
I loved Ken—most in the PCa world called him “Mason”—like a brother. We all did.
He kept me and everyone in stitches at support groups for men with low-risk PCa.
Ken also asked great questions—though he didn’t seem to know it. Communicating with Ken, especially privately, could create Zen moments—and laughter. He was the prototype Laughing Buddha, without the pot belly.
Ken wanted to be called Mason because as he stated he “was in witness protection (he was not) with warrants (false)” and the only way he was able to participate was to “use an alias”. While his husband Gary described him beautifully as ‘the purest, kindest soul I know’—full of empathy, silliness, and love—Ken also had a wonderful knack for delightful ‘BS,’ which, frankly, only made us love him even more.
We shared memories of Ken with Gary during the first part of our Active Surveillance meeting. If you did not get the privilege to meet Ken, we encourage you to listen to stories and some of his classic “Ken Jokes”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 26th, 2- 5pm at Barred Owl at the Scarlet Hotel, 2101 Transformation Dr 6th Floor,, Lincoln, NE 68508. The event will be streamed virtually – AnCan will provide details. Bring your worst jokes.
Thank you Ken for all the time you graciously shared, the love, support, and the laughs. May his memory always be a blessing!
AnCan Foundation is immensely proud that Delaware has joined a growing number of states committed to empowering individuals at the end of life. The Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Acthas officially become law, making Delaware the 12th jurisdiction in the U.S. to authorize medical aid in dying. Ron Silverio GRHS wife, Susan Lahaie is AnCan’s own Lead Moderator for our Care Partner Group, and a long time AnCan participant in the Advanced Prostate Cancer Group and Veterans programming.
1943 – 2018
This is a monumental achievement, born from years of dedicated advocacy and the unwavering courage of those who fought for the right to a peaceful, dignified death.
For too long, terminally ill Delawareans facing unbearable suffering had limited options. This new law changes that, offering a compassionate choice to mentally capable adults with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live. They will now have the option to request and self-administer medication to end their lives peacefully, on their own terms, surrounded by loved ones.
Honoring the Legacy of Advocates, and a Tireless Champion
The act is rightfully named in honor of Ron Silverio and Heather Block, whose deeply personal journeys became a powerful force for change. Their stories, alongside those of Tom LaFollette, Chuck Knothe, Diane Kraus, and countless other terminally ill advocates, fueled a decade-long fight for this legislation. See and hear Ron speaking about innovating this legislation shortly before he died. In his own words:
“Along my journey, I have consistently told my multiple doctors I want to focus on the quality of my remaining days, not the quantity. I don’t want to die in a bed, unconscious and unresponsive under the influence of drugs, completely unaware of my surroundings. From the very beginning of this journey I have been worried about how I will die.”
Susan Lahaie, Ron Silverio’s wife, has been a truly remarkable advocate. A retired nurse practitioner and USAF Lt. Colonel from Dover, Susan has tirelessly continued her work in Ron’s honor since his passing in 2018. Her personal experience with Ron’s challenging end of life strengthened her commitment to ensuring others would have the choices he didn’t. At the signing ceremony, Susan expressed her family’s deep pride in the bill being partly named for Ron. She noted, “Ron would have said that terminally ill people of Delaware can now focus on living without having to worry so much about how they were going to die.” We were honored to support Ron and Susan throughout his prostate cancer journey here at AnCan.
Photo Credit: Spotlight Delaware – Brianna Hill
Susan’s tireless work on this groundbreaking legislation is nothing short of remarkable. She’s advocated relentlessly since her husband, Ron Silverio, passed away in 2018. Ron’s difficult end-of-life experience fueled Susan’s resolve to ensure others
would have the choices and dignity he deserved but lacked. Her personal journey transformed into powerful public advocacy, making a profound impact. Susan’s commitment to supporting those facing serious illness extends beyond legislative advocacy. She generously dedicates her time with AnCan, helping us provide vital virtual support groups for cancer carepartners. Her involvement with AnCan truly underscores her understanding of the comprehensive needs of individuals and families at every stage of their health journey—from critical end-of-life choices to the ongoing emotional and practical support that makes a real difference.
We’re honored to have Susan Lahaie as part of the AnCan family, and we congratulate her, and all the advocates, on this monumental achievement for compassionate care in Delaware.
AnCan, is proud to announce that two of its dedicated patient advocates have been named to the esteemed Cancer Health 25 list. This annual recognition by Cancer Health magazine salutes outstanding individuals who are making a profound difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
The Cancer Health 25 list highlights the unwavering efforts of patient advocates who bridge critical gaps in cancer care, providing essential support, education, and resources. As the article states, “No one should face cancer alone. Luckily, a vast range of skilled and dedicated patient advocates can provide support to people with cancer and their loved ones.” The list acknowledges individuals who raise funds and awareness, build programs, share information, facilitate access to care, and much more, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.
We are incredibly honored to see two of our own advocates recognized among such an inspiring group of individuals. This recognition underscores the vital role that patient advocates play in ensuring that no one walks their cancer journey alone. Our advocates tirelessly embody Dr. Harold P. Freeman’s vision of filling the ‘disconnect between what we discover and what we deliver’ in cancer care. We are immensely proud of their dedication and the profound impact they have every day.
Ritchie Johnson
Among those recognized is Ritchie Johnson, MBA, RN, founder of the Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation and co-founder of AnCan’s Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC) virtual support group. Ritchie launched the Chris “CJ” Johnson Foundation in memory of her son, who died of RMC, a rare and aggressive type of kidney cancer primarily affecting young African Americans with sickle cell trait. A relentless advocate, Johnson has tirelessly pushed for increased RMC awareness, funding, and scientific attention, which has led to the formation of multiple clinical trials.
Howard Wolinsky
Also honored is Howard Wolinsky, a Pulitzer Prize–nominated medical journalist and a prominent advocate for active surveillance in prostate cancer. Diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer at 63, he chose active surveillance over immediate treatment 15 years ago and has not yet required intervention. He passionately supports others navigating similar decisions, co-authoring dozens of articles in medical journals with physician-scientists. He is the editor of TheActiveSurveillor.com and is a co-founder of our Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Group.
Our mission is rooted in the belief that shared experiences and peer support are fundamental to navigating a cancer diagnosis. The organization’s advocates work diligently to connect patients and caregivers, provide trusted information, and foster a strong, supportive community. Their inclusion in the Cancer Health 25 is a testament to their commitment and the effectiveness of AnCan’s patient-centric approach.
AnCan extends its deepest gratitude to Cancer Health for shining a light on the invaluable contributions of patient advocates and for recognizing the tireless efforts of its team members.
Ken cared so much for others. Gary described his beloved as ’empathy, silliness and love’ exuding ‘kindness’. I might add to those qualities his quick wit and sense of humor. I feel honored to have been frequently on the receiving end of Ricklesian insults.
Advisory Board Member Howard Wolinsky 
would have the choices and dignity he deserved but lacked. Her personal journey transformed into powerful public advocacy, making a profound impact. Susan’s commitment to supporting those facing serious illness extends beyond legislative advocacy. She generously dedicates her time with AnCan, helping us provide vital virtual support groups for 
