by Kiernan Mehan | Mar 13, 2026
Michael Williams, 71, is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in Occupational Clinics, Urgent Care, and Emergency Medicine. Originally from Bozeman, Montana, Michael now calls Rapid City, South Dakota, home.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2021, Michael opted for Active Surveillance. When his diagnosis was upgraded in 2024, he remained committed to a conservative approach and sought a urologist who supported alternatives to immediate radical treatment. This journey led him to the Ancan Groups, where he found invaluable support and information. Today, Michael is a regular participant in Ancan meetings, offering his unique perspective as both a medical professional and a patient to help others navigate their own paths.
As a father to two young adults, ages 19 and 21, Michael prioritizes a healthy, active lifestyle. When he isn’t exercising or working, he enjoys hitting the open road in his truck and camper.
by Kiernan Mehan | Mar 13, 2026
Philip has been on AS since he was diagnosed in early 2007. He’s been really fortunate, as his PSA has stayed relatively level since his diagnosis. Philip joined his local peer support group in Toronto at the time of his diagnosis to learn more about PCa and has been an active member of that group since then. He began attending AnCan meetings when COVID and Zoom arrived and has been a regular attendee ever since. Philip also acts as a lead facilitator for Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada’s monthly AS meeting.
Philip has been married to his supportive wife for almost 60 years, and has 2 lovely daughters and 2 very nice sons-in-law, as well as 2 grandsons. Philip and his wife are active gym participants, and both enjoy long treks.
by Rick Davis | Feb 20, 2026
David Sharp
Diagnosed in 2025 with prostate cancer and a BRCA1 germline mutation, David Sharp was treated with high dose brachytherapy, IMRT and short term hormone therapy. He has developed excellent knowledge around low and intermediate risk treatment choices.
David is a retired health journalist, editor, author, and podcaster whose work has appeared in numerous national publications. He and his wife, Sheila, live in Portland, Oregon. They met in high school band and have been in harmony ever since.
When he’s not at the gym, walking their Australian shepherd, or baking bread, he’s teaching himself French. Reading is easier than speaking!. What he lacks in aptitude, he makes up for in doggedness, maintaining an unbroken streak of daily French lessons since 2023—uninterrupted even by prostate cancer treatment.
Portland’s interlibrary-loan librarians may regret his diagnosis even more than he does. Still digging for information like a journalist on assignment, he’s hit them up for nearly 500 medical journal articles on prostate cancer in the past year alone.
by Rick Davis | Jan 23, 2026
Cody Wilson
Looking up at a world abruptly filled with dots I wasn’t sure if the world had changed or if I was spontaneously different. I looked to doctors, therapy, and treatments. What I found along the way was more personally impactful than all the above combined – peer support. Realizing that I could still accomplish my goals changed my perspective and unlocked my future. Now I want to show up and encourage that possibility for everyone.
You can find me in my natural habitat watching Lost while sitting next to my dog. When I’m not at the computer programming for my day job I’m listening to audiobooks for a local book club, learning to clean-and-jerk at the gym, or working on my Dungeons’nDragons character. Because my mind wanders there is a good possibility that I’m simultaneously working on all three.
by Rick Davis | Jan 2, 2026
Sydney Ireland
Sydney Ireland understands firsthand the weight of Inherited Mutations and the emotional terrain that comes with managing uncertainty. She’s a BRCA2 Previvor, losing her mother, grandmother and aunt to hereditary cancers. Sydney believes in the power of honest conversations about grief, fear, hope, and resilience. She is committed to creating inclusive spaces and honored to provide peer support for others navigating this journey.
In her young life, Sydney counts many achievements. In the first class of female Eagle Scouts, she spearheaded the successful campaign to include girls in the Boy Scouts of America, now Scouting America. After graduating from Amherst College, her first job was in the Office of Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. She is currently with GovWell, transforming government services.
Outside of work, you’ll find her in dance class, spending time with her dog Scout, or seeing a live show in NYC.
