by Rick Davis | Jul 5, 2023 | mCRPC, mHSPC, nmCRPC, Prostate Cancer, Recent News, Volunteers
DMV AnCan’rs Break Bread!
You’ve heard me say it before and it never gets old… nothing gives me more pleasure than AnCan participants getting together outside our groups to meet and greet.
When a new participant in our High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer Group revealed recently he was from N. Virginia, not only was he well received by fellow locals but the cry went up for all to meet for lunch before too long. Capt. Jim Marshall led the charge by arranging a lunch in Alexandria at the end of June. I’ll let him tell you more ….
On Friday, June 30th, the DMV (District of Columbia/ Maryland/ Virginia) Brotherhood of AnCan’s High Risk/ Recurrent/ Advanced Prostate Cancer Virtual Group got together for a luncheon here in Alexandria, VA. We met at the Historic “Table Talk” Diner founded in 1976 that has changed little even in the age of rising property values and upscaling everything. On the first row of the photo L-R, is Joel Blanchette, Gary Peters and then standing L-R, myself Jim Marshall, George Rovder, Jimmy Greenfield, Cliff Collins and Richard Cramond.
It was a great opportunity to compare notes on our life situations and treatments but more important to get to know each other. It turns out I learned General Joel actually jumped out of airplanes in the younger days of his military career. Gary is a retired Federal Lawyer. George worked at the US State Dept. George’s husband is a Canadian and they are heading off camping over the 4th . Jimmy G, as we all know, is into music, can work up a real sweat (exercise) when his (new) band one gets going. In his younger days Jimmy was a full-time music teacher for kids and loved it – he still teaches young and old alike. Cliff was a Professor in the Air Force and regularly does 65-mile bike rides. Richard and I worked in close proximity in the 1970s in the forerunner of Space Force; satellites and things. As far as me, I can be found trimming a Peach Tree and also doing my daily 2-3-mile bike rides; consider I have a 15-year head start on Cliff.
We are looking forward to making this a recurring meeting during the year.
Jim Marshall
If any other AnCan’rs in any of our groups want to organize a ‘meet and greet’, please let us know and we’ll help with the contact information …. MSrs in Michigan???
by Rick Davis | Apr 16, 2023 | Active Surveillance PCa, Art, Blood Cancers, Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, mCRPC, Men 'Speaking Freely', mHSPC, nmCRPC, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Recent News, RMC, SOH, Solo Arts Heal, Thyroid Cancer, Volunteers
Herbert (‘Herb’) Miles Geller, PhD 1945-2023
1948-2023
I am writing with a very heavy heart to report the death of our dear Board Member, Advisory Board Member, Moderator, Participant and my good buddy, Herb Geller PhD G-d Rest His Soul.
The loss of dear Herb z”l is already reverberating around AnCan and will undoubtedly amplify as more learn of his demise. Herb touched many well beyond his Advanced Prostate Cancer ‘Brains Trust’, Moderators, Peers and Participants. The Blood Cancer group got to know him well when he attended regularly on behalf of his brother. The Pancreatic Cancer folks met him when he showed up for his next door neighbor. Our Men Speaking Freely Group loved and respected him for sharing his fears and concerns. Members of our Advisory Board got to interact with Herb as did Medical Academics and others who participated in AnCan’s research projects.
Here are a few of the words I already see bandied around –
- “kind, smart, caring, thoughtful”
- “My heart is heavy and I’m at a loss for words. There is something I’m feeling that I can’t express sufficiently”
- “this is the deepest hurt since we lost Dominic (2015)”
- “Thanks to each of you for your loving support of him and all of us for each other.”
Herb passed away from advanced prostate cancer that had evidently morphed into small cell/neuroendocrine like (NEC) disease. A late diagnosis just one day before he entered the NIH, his place of work, identified this. Herb was scheduled to undergo tests for his highly elevated endocrine markers, however the source was now evident on admission. The NIH never appeared to acknowledge or treat him for this diagnosis. It finally added a neuroendocrine oncologist to Herb’s team after 21 days after repeated AnCan prodding from the date of admission. Herb underwent research procedures related to Cushing’s Disease and its symptoms. In due course, AnCan will follow up as appropriate.
Never one to give up the opportunity to sail anything from a small dinghy to an ocean-going yacht, Dr. Herb Geller was a nationally recognized expert in neuro-biology; a profile is available on the NIH site. Herbie loved a a good Scotch, in Skye or anywhere else. On his request, AnCan did its best to sneak in a wee dram just to wet his lip in the final days but the ‘powers that be’ prevented us. I’ll have one for you tonight, Herb! And, we’ll make sure both your AnCan posters get written up for submission with credit to you.
Herb is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy, Director of the Office of Biostatistics for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at the NIH. Also his younger brother, Ken, an eminent Supreme Court Advocate kennethsgeller@gmail.com. We wish Herb’s family and many friends, especially his “AnCan Family”, much comfort. May Herb’s memory always be a blessing – it certainly will be here at AnCan.
For our Jewish readers, Herb’s z”l Hebrew name is Chanan Moshe ben Aaron v’Sara; he died on 25th Nisan.
O&U, rd
Herbert Geller Obituary (2023) – Washington, DC – The Washington Post
by Rick Davis | Dec 4, 2022 | Active Surveillance PCa, Cancer Caregivers, mCRPC, mHSPC, nmCRPC, Prostate Cancer, Recent News, Volunteers
AnCan Vets Meet Up in Florida
AnCan can’t say this enough times … nothing gives us more pleasure than when our Peeps meet up. Our survey last year found that some 35% of our participants make new and lasting friendships outside our groups. That’s our gift to you as well as to ourselves!
Late last month two of our sterling Volunteers met up. Capt. Jim Marshall (USAF) headed south from Alexandria, Virginia to spend a month in Melbourne, Florida, home of our Active Surveillance Prostate Cancr Moderator, Garry Tosca. Here’s what Captain Jim had to say about their lunch meeting:
During my visit down in the Melbourne, FL area in November I got to meet up with fellow AnCan Vet, Garry Tosca and his lovely partner, Trish, for lunch on the edge of the Indian River at the Old Fish House. Both of us are Vietnam Vets where my time was spent in Saigon at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Computer Operations. Garry did less than two years in the Army with just enough time to be in the thick of fighting in numerous locations in Vietnam. He is my hero earning the National Defense Service Medal (received by all of us just for joining or drafted & affectionately known as the “pizza stain,”), Vietnam Service Medal with a couple of Bronze Stars for fighting in Campaigns, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the prized Bronze Star.
Bronze Star Medal — a highly respected military decoration given to service members who distinguish themselves while engaged in action against a foreign force
I do understand his most coveted award is the Combat infantry Mens Badge.
The Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) is a United States Army military decoration. The badge is awarded to infantrymen and Special Forces soldiers in the rank of Colonel and below, who fought in active ground combat while assigned as members of either an Infantry or Special Forces unit of brigade size or smaller at any time after 6 December 1941.
I did learn something I had never thought about concerning VA Disability Ratings associated with Prostate Cancer (PC). With me and the StageIV Metastatic PC plus Vietnam, it is an automatic 100% Permanently Disabled Rating; a real no brainer with a minimum of paperwork needed. Garry is on Active Surveillance now for a number of years, is also considered 100% Disabled even though he is Gleason = 6(3+3).
It now makes sense for when a Vet is undergoing treatment, he/she is rated at 100% until some kind of resolution either one way or the other. Therefore documenting in excruciating detail all that happens during Active Surveillance can be shown as undergoing treatment, actually “continual treatment“. Hopefully he will stay at 100% Temporarily Disabled for the duration even if his PC never goes beyond Gleason 6.
I want to thank Garry & Trish for being such gracious hosts and when I return in the Spring, hopefully we can get caught up on things.
Just a reminder that AnCan now runs a
Veterans’ Health Navigation Support Group, attended by both Jim and Garry and expertly moderated by Capt Joe Gallo (USMC). The group includes a vast amount of experience including administrators and physicians who worked in the VA for decades. It can help with everything from ratings and benefits to treatment. We also have folks using TriCare adn Tricare for Life. Sign up to receive a Reminder at
https://ancan.org/contact-us/
by Rick Davis | Nov 18, 2022 | Advocacy, Blood Cancers, Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, mCRPC, mHSPC, nmCRPC, Ovarian Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Recent News, RMC, Volunteers, Webinars
AnCan Advisory Board Member Honored Nationally
Last night Invitae and the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) honored our amazing Advisory Board Member and Genetic Counselor, Lindsey Byrne, as one of the 14 Finalists for the Genetic Counselor of the Year Award during the National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Conference in Nashville, TN.
While Lindsey was not selected amongst the top 3, both we and she were honored Lindsey was invited to the Awards Ceremony. Nominated by our AnCan Advanced Prostate Cancer Group regular, Frank Fabish, who seeks his care at The Ohio State The James Comprehensive Cancer Center where Lindsey works as a Counselor and Professor, Frank and his wife Gail have benefitted and much enjoyed their consults with Lindsey. She is one of the very few genetic counselors who specializes in working with genitourinary and prostate cancer patients. Lindsey sent us a pix from the Awards Ceremony that has our Star in the foreground with nominator and nominee behind!
Lindsey has hosted and appeared in AnCan webinars as you see below. She also LOVES promoting our cause!
by Rick Davis | Jul 1, 2022 | Cancer Caregivers, Men 'Speaking Freely', Prostate Cancer, Recent News, Uncategorized, Volunteers
Jerry Deans Memorial – June 24th; Pix & Eulogies
Some 200 folks gathered together last Friday, June 24 at the Cold Spring Baptist Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia. to celebrate the life of our dear Advisory Board Member, Jerry Deans, Of Blessed Memory. I was honored to present one of the three tributes … and no surprise, we all said the same thing in different words.
- Jerry loved life
- Jerry loved to spread love
- Jerry lived for the moment
Let’s be honest … there are few, if any, who would not want to be remembered for such wonderful and embracing atttributes. We loved Jerry becasue Jerry loved everyone!
Here first are my words, followed by those of Jim Schraidt that I read on his behalf. Alongside Jim’s eulogy, you see a picture in the church displayed on a carousel showing Jerry and Jim touching hands on their bucket list diving trip to Key Largo 12 months ago together with the original a little further down.
“This disease, (prostate cancer) as well as all cancers, thrusts people into the ‘Belly of the Beast.’ You have to experience it yourselves to know how devastating it can be. But there is help and hope. No matter what you are battling, there are people who have dedicated their lives to help improve yours.”
Not my words … I wish I was so eloquent. These are our beloved Jerry’s words. Mr. Deans was one of those immensely compassionate folks who dedicated his life to helping improve the lives of others who found themselves on the same road he was traveling – whether the loss of a loved one, cancer, or frankly any life experience, Jerry was there to help and support.
Jerry had lived with prostate cancer since 1999, aged 50. Unlike most of you sitting here, I came to know Jerry through prostate cancer. When prostate cancer came into my world it was both a curse and a blessing – Jerry was one of the biggest factors that made it a blessing.
It is also the reason I stand here before you all today. Likely, the majority of you know little about Jerry’s prostate cancer life. Patsi asked if I could do my best in 5 minutes or so to correct that, and it is my privilege to assume that honour. I can’t really even begin without paying tribute to Patsi’s role in how Jerry navigated this 23-year disease path.
As evident in all aspects of their marriage, Patsi was Jerry’s rock and support along with his faith. From keeping him on the right track with exercise and diet, to helping maintain his medical records – especially in recent months, attending appointments, providing continuous nurture, maintaining the household through emotional swings caused by the never-ending hormone therapy …. and what does that mean – living life for the past 20 odd years with no testosterone in your body. Yup Gents – you heard right!!
No T messes you up good! All those symptoms you hear the wife complaining about when she hits menopause – hot flushes, fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, emotional instability. Our men complain of the very same! All down to zippo testosterone each and every day. Who knew?? Well Patsi did, and she was one of the biggest reasons Jerry weathered the storm better than almost anyone else we have ever know living with advanced prostate cancer.
Jerry was truly amazing …. As far back as 2006, he was found to have metastatic lung nodules. These nodules were a bit like a spiritual epiphany … REALLY. They would repeatedly appear and disappear over many years, but we knew that they were prostate cancer cells in Jerry’s lungs. NO ONE LIVES 16 YEARS WITH LUNG METS.
And some of you may recall Jerry knocking off a bucket list item this time last year. He and our good buddy Jim Schraidt went diving in Key Largo. What you may not have known is that Jerry was already having some cognition issues. Why? …. brain mets!! NO ONE LIVES 15+ MONTHS WITH PROSTATE CANCER BRAIN METS. Even his neurosurgeon told him that.
In fact, Jerry continued to defy medical science for 23 years., He experienced almost every prostate cancer treatment known to man and his disappointment was that there was no more to roll out … but more of that later.
Jerry was always immensely grateful to his medical team – as I reflect, I don’t ever recall him badmouthing his docs …ever! More often he was calling to tell me how graciously and compassionately they had received him! That reflected Our Man!
Right now, I want you to hear directly from Jim Schraidt in Jim’s own words – the dear friend with whom Jerry went o Key Largo last year. Jim cannot be with us today as his wife Jane is undergoing cataract surgery in Chicago, but as they say – this message is endorsed by all Jerry’s UsTOO colleagues. UsTOO, btw, is no more and has been merged into ZERO; Jim now sits on their Board.
Jim Schraidt’s tribute below inserted here.
To borrow a term from one of our Pfizer colleagues, Jerry was a LEGEND of support for prostate cancer patients. Somewhere around 2006, Jerry started attending Peter Moon’s UsTOO Support Group here in Richmond. Peter – I feel sure you are here – please stand up.
Peter was one of the very few local folks who knew and understood Jerry’s condition. He has been a member of Jerry’s inner support circle longer than anyone except Patsi. Meanwhile, Jerry loved what UsTOO was doing and before very long he was offered a seat on the UsTOO Board where he could evangelize for support in the same way he evangelized for his faith. Indeed, he was a legend, and under his navigation UsTOO expanded and grew its loose network of physical, mainly peer-led support groups across the nation and the globe.
By the mid 20-teens, Jerry was Vice Chair and ready to step into the chair when his advanced prostate cancer made him think twice about assuming those responsibilities. Instead he took to the sidelines to support, coach and guide from the wings.
It was around 2014 that I came to meet Jerry. We knew of each other – I had been a bit of a rebel when it came to UsTOO as we engineered a scheme to replace the ineffective Chief Exec. Nonetheless, in 2014 the Board voted to give me and one of my accomplices-in-crime, dear Dominic Marrese Of Blessed Memory , national recognition awards. In my case it was for the work I was doing virtually in prostate cancer support. I continue to be active in virtual patient support for several diseases and conditions through AnCan Foundation. Jerry became a member of our Advisory Board when he stepped down from UsTOO in 2018, 2 years after we formed AnCan.
Jerry was a true confidant and advisor, both on personal and AnCan issues. I sought Jerry’s counsel when I was in a pickle, listened carefully and closely to his words of wisdom and heeded them. He was never afraid to tell me I stepped over the mark or should back off … and frankly, I can’t ever remember doing anything against his advice. Jerry guided me with great care and compassion; I will always hear him in my inner ear as I continue to ask for guidance.
Personally, it was an immense privilege to navigate Jerry through the recent maze of prostate cancer approvals and developments. And while the grief and bereavement support group that he led in Richmond, often coincided with our meetings, whenever Jerry attended our Advanced PCa virtual group, he was a rock star. None the least, when Jerry joined from his hospital bed a couple of months back to show us his battle scar from removing the brain mets.
It was ALWAYS an honor to explain developments. I navigated and guided Jerry on his medical journey as we developed the questions for him to ask at his upcoming appointments. He was fearless …. and always wanted to do more. right before entering hospice Jerry was still asking Patsi what else we could do …. what a surprise!!
“Not Today”
I can truly say in Jerry’s case it was never out of fear of death but love of his family, friends, church, colleagues, mentees … in fact humanity in general. He wanted to be around to do more good and spread more love.
Jerry was a man of great faith … not my Jewish faith, but he respected that in his conversations with me which I always appreciated. We all hope that faith is rewarding him now. All of us have lost a true friend and an immense human being …. may you all receive much comfort as the pain of recalling Jerry subsides, and may Jerry’s memory always be a true blessing.
Let me close as I started … with Jerry’s own words ….
“One of these days this cancer might get me, but it might not be today and probably not tomorrow. Since it is NOT THIS DAY … Today we fight, and live and love and do everything we can to help others along the way. “
Onward & upwards …
Jim Schraidt’s Eulogy
I first met Jerry when I was appointed to the Us TOO International Board of Directors in 2015, but I really got to know Jerry better when we both were selected to attend a week-long retreat for non-profit leaders in San Francisco in 2017.
It was there that we spent hours talking about our dreams for the prostate cancer community and our personal journeys with prostate cancer. Although our journeys have been very different, Jerry was always interested in and respectful of my issues. He truly helped me in my journey and in turning my negative emotions into positive energy and concrete plans for supporting and advocating for the prostate cancer community.
During the retreat, I was amazed by Jerry’s ability to communicate with and support all of the other participants, most of whom were women. His extraordinary communication skills came from a sincere interest in the people around him, his ability and willingness to listen, and his positive non-judgmental and hope-filled approach to life and problem solving. He has spent countless hours using those skills for the benefit of the prostate community.
On a more personal note, last June, Jerry graciously invited me to join his bucket list diving trip. My son Brian had died about three weeks earlier, and Jerry knew that Brian and I loved diving together. Besides rejoicing with Jerry as he fulfilled this bucket list wish, he and Patsi helped me cope with my grief and remember good times with Brian.
Jerry, I miss you brother, but I know you will always be with me.
By the way, I was not the only AnCan’r present. Super-Volunteer aand Moderator Rich (and Brenda) Jackson drove up 100 miles from Norfolk, Va to keep me company. I was very grateful to see a familiar face. Boardie and Moderator,Herb Geller would have been present too, but was sailing in Scotland.
Onward & upwards, Jerry … your memory will forever be a blessing to all of us.
by Rick Davis | May 17, 2022 | Advocacy, Multiple Sclerosis, Recent News, Volunteers
AnCan’s Art Director and MS Moderator, Hannah Garrison, Honored!
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America has recently recognized one of AnCan’s favorite moderators, Hannah Garrison as their Annual 2022 Benefit Honoree!
AnCan LOVES Hannah ….. she is a longtime moderator of our MS Groups AND leads the AnCan Art Program that teaches everyone that no matter your abilities, art is not out of reach. Check our AnCan Art Gallery to see the work Hannah has helped our participants create. Btw, that program will be back in 2022 with 4 sessions before year end – and we’ll be providing FREE art supplies!
Every year, MSAA names one corporate honoree, and one from the MS community. This year
Hannah was recognized as the MS Community Member of the Year,. She has been working with the
MSAA to lead and develop their “Improving Lives Through Art” Paint-Along series throughout 2021 – a program that we beta-tested here at AnCan.
This is amongst MSAA’s newest set of virtual fundraising events in which participants paint a predetermined subject together in a virtual “classroom”, instructed by Hannah. Hannah sets the subject, MSAA sends the supplies off to participants’ homes, and everyone who joins in has a chance to create a special piece of artwork with family or friends together with everyone in the virtual room. The program is a huge success, and continues to support the MSAA’s mission to fund programs specifically for the MS community.
Hannah is adamant that the visual arts were a stepping stone in her recovery from the grueling effects of multiple sclerosis. One day she decided she’d had enough, and began working through her mental struggles, cognitive struggles, and physical struggles via the process of making art. Now Hannah Garrison uses art as a safe space to explore her struggles and to sit with them – never to judge or belittle any result that takes place … or for that matter anything that arises along the way!
Hannah has AMAZED some of our AnCan particpants who have told us they never thought they had this creative talent within them.
You can read about Hannah here, and learn more about the MSAA Benefit which took place on May 5 th in-person and May 12th virtually, here.
Watch out for our four (4) 2022 Art with Hannah sessions, coming soon. You can reach Hannah Garrison at hannah@ancan.org if you want to be sure to receive an invite to AnCan’s classes – they are open to all.
