Global Cancer Summit ... male hormones become an issue

[Guest guest]

HI everyone,

I recently attended the Global Cancer Summit in Dublin. I wrote a story about my

time there, which I hope will give everyone a little hope. If anyone is using

Facebook, please add me and join the Create Testosterone Deficiency Awareness

Now cause.

The story:

As you know, I am on a mission regarding awareness of Testosterone Deficiency,

as well as Cancer.

Some may say I am obsessed!

I have to say, as it turned out, I could not have scripted the Summit better,

from my objective's perspective.

This is what happened.

Firstly, I wanted to create a bit of awareness in Ireland, so I headed off to

Dublin a few days ahead of the Summit.

On Wednesday of last week, I spent a few hours wandering round Dublin city

centre with my prop, talking to men and women about male Cancers. The wonderful

people of Dublin were responsive. Much to my amazement, the first two people I

encountered as I began my walk to the centre, were TC survivors! Soon enough

though, I was educating people who were otherwise unaware. A rewarding day for

me personally.

The following day I headed south to Blarney, which is one of the most lovely

village locations I have seen. It was my home for the next three days, as I

intended to intercept the Tour of Ireland on the three stages. Blarney was

pretty central to all three.

Day one of the tour saw me just outside Waterford, sitting on my car with my

prop. As people drove past, I began to get waves and toots on the horn, which I

appreciated. Eventually the advance tour cars drove by tooting away, followed by

the breakaway group containing Lance Armstrong. I managed to get a good shot of

him as they approached.

The following day I headed to Fermoy and followed a similar plan. This time

though, a small red car pulled up near me. The occupant turned out to be an

amateur reporter, who had decided to write a feature about this crazy

Englishman. As we stood talking, the advance cars came past tooting away again,

until one slid untidily to a halt in the shale. It had " Media " on the back. Out

jumped a photographer and snapped away for a while, til he jumped back into the

car and it raced off.

The following day started very wet, so I abandoned my thoughts of meeting Stage

3. Instead I drove to Dublin,checked into the hotel and registered for the

Summit. I was looking for Andy A and didn't have far to look, as he was chatting

with Will Swetnam of CCC, Joe Schneider and Lynn Lane of Voices of Survivors.

A few friendly words and registration was completed. As we walked back to the

hotel, I remarked how keen I was to meet Dr -Lattin, who'd been of

enormous help early in 2003. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, one of

our group said, " Here's ! " And so it was. At last, I was able to thank

him personally for setting me on the road towards the Testosterone Deficiency

Centre website. Back at the hotel, I bumped into Jonny Imerman and felt his

amazing presence for the first time.

Off to the castle we went, where a harpist greeted us as we entered the upper

rooms. It wasn't long before an African delegate began to accompany her in a

beautiful soprano voice. I was lucky enough to encounter the legendary TC

Oncologist, Dr Craig Nichols and Ellen, his wife, and introduced myself. A

little later, I took the opportunity of interrupting Brewer as he filmed

away. It sure was good to shake his hand after thirteen years association.

The format of each day was the same. We did everything but sleep together, it

seemed. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all taken together. It reminded me a

little of my schooldays.

Day 1, whilst enjoyable and very informative, was a little frustrating, as I

really wanted some action. I did meet a number of very interesting people

however. I walked to and from the hotel with my prop, but kept it out of sight

in the conference. However, once I saw , aka " Mr Testicle " dressed in

his body suit, I brought it out for a photo op at the end of proceedings. So

far, so good. My prop accompanied me everywhere at conference from then on.

Day 2 saw us begin work, where we all sat at differing subject, or geographical

area, tables by choice. I decided on the European table and made my way to it.

There sat a man who was dressed differently to the rest of us and had 80's style

hair. It turned out to be Mike s lead singer of the UK cult band of the

eighties The Alarm. He introduced me to the very lively Foley, who works

with him in gaining Bone Marrow volunteers. A BMT saved Mikes life!

We chatted away for a while, before a lady named joined us. She was

the president of Europa Donna and we had a very interesting talk about getting

action out of the Euro parliament.

The three sessions were exhausting and by the third, what with Lance riding

round Pheonix Park, and general fatigue, I found myself alone at the table with

our lovely volunteer Harriete. She'd been typing as we talked, so our thoughts

could be fed into a central bank of everyone's thoughts, for later digestion and

perhaps adoption of the better ideas. It was a pleasure to chat to her.

That night, we went to the Guinness Brewery. The speeches were moving for all of

us I guess, as first Sherwen (Tour de France Commentator and friend to

Lance), then Mcceachern of Nike, told some very personal stories about

Lance and his struggle against TC. I was sitting near Lance and could see how,

even thirteen years later, how emotional it was for him as he listened to his

friends.

I joined in the post dinner tribute to Robin Brewer, Chris' brother, who died of

Cancer 3 years ago and was honoured to be there.

-Lattin was on the bus back to the hotel and amidst general

repartee and banter between Dorsey McMillan, myself and a few others,

assured me, I am still crazy after all these years. I just need it in writing

and I can get 3 square meals a day with a roof over my head for the rest of my

life.

As I tossed and turned in bed that night, I tried to imagine how I could get

Lance's signature on my prop, preferably on stage. I already have Bill Wyman and

Daltrey's signatures along with a number of well known sports

personalities this side of the pond. The intention is to auction it, so Lance's

signature would guarantee added value.

No matter how I tried, I couldn't see how it was going to happen, so slick was

the scheduling and so tight was Lances security. I didn't sleep well. I knew I

had to get more attention than most, if I was to further the cause, but how?

Day three and three hours left of conference. It was a communications session,

helping us to get our message out. The final piece involved us all telling a

story in one minute. Our expert had led us through the necessary elements of a

good story, principle amongst them being the importance of the first sentence. I

soon had my first sentence and was confident it would do a good job.

The same story had to be told three times to three different audiences of four

and it had to be personal and true, though not necessarily about our Cancer

experience. It was mildly chaotic as we followed the plan, but in the end, we

did it.

When it was finished, we were asked to stand up and go to the person who had

told the most compelling story they'd heard. The people with the most hands on

them, would be hauled onto stage to tell it, one more time.

As I prepared to stand, the lady opposite me pointed at me and said " You sit

there Mr " . Trust me, when Tamika Felder issues an instruction like that, you

disobey at your peril. One look into her eyes told me that. So I sat, and became

quite claustrophobic, as people came and placed a hand on me. The presenter

came. " Its obvious we have one here " he said, and asked me to go to the stage. I

grabbed my prop and almost ran to the stage. The opportunity had somehow

arrived. Carpe Diem!

As I walked onto the stage the Stage manager came out and hissed, " would you

please get off this stage " . I let her know I'd been asked to come up and she

disappeared, happy it seemed, with my answer. Soon, five other delegates joined

me on stage. I wondered which end of the line would be chosen to start, as I was

at one end. Tomy relief, the presenter walked to the other end to begin. I had

five minutes to gather myself for the most important minute of my life to date.

I had to make it count.

I told my story eventually and we were all asked to turn round, so our fellow

delegates could vote for the most compelling. At the end of the voting, my story

somehow ended up on top. I was humbled and delighted. But more was to come.

Once the session ended a couple of minutes later, ladies from across the world

appeared pressing their cards into my hand and requesting a photo. Some invited

me to their country to help, as they see my prop as a great way to do something

about one huge feature that continues to blight our battle with Cancer. That of

Male Denial.

Brewer came across and congratulated me and that meant a heck of a lot.

Finally, the producer of the documentary being shot for the Summit introduced

himself and made my day. He confessed to having a tear in his eye as I told my

story.

Lance the came in for the final group photo. I was near, but not near enough to

ask him to sign my prop. Photos over and he was whisked away to one side of the

hall and disappeared into the passage behind the flags lining the auditorium. It

was now or never!

I went over to the flags and stuck my head through, just as Lance and his

entourage passed some ten metres away. " Excuse me Lance, would you sign my

testicle please? " I enquired. " NO " , he shot back, but turned to look at me and

was smiling, though looking very uncomfortable. Something I noted

apologetically, saying my testicle was large pink and fluffy and I was going to

auction it. As he turned smiling again, more comfortably, he said, " You can tell

everyone it is blessed " .

And so I am. Lance blessed my testicle and his endorsement of my mission means a

lot to me. The signature would have been nice, but I can always tell the story.

Mission completed at the GCS. Many new friends made and, hopefully, the start of

greater movement towards the ending of male denial, myths and stigma about male

health. I am more than satisfied with the outcome so far.

Thanks for reading,

Nick

Nick O'Hara

Author, The Testosterone Deficiency Centre (www.androids.org.uk)

Associate Editor The Testicular Cancer Resource Center (tcrc.acor.org)

Livestrong Community Leader The Lance Armstrong Foundation (www.LAF.org)

Fundraiser Everyman Cancer Research www.justgiving.com/nickohs

[Guest guest]

" Thanks for reading " Nick Thank you for all you do your a God Send to men all

over the world. I read your post 2 x's and I feel your doing a Great job

getting the word out about this. There is a great need for more men like you.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: Nick O'Hara <nickjohs@...>

> Subject: Global Cancer Summit ... male hormones become an issue

>

> Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009, 1:35 AM

> HI everyone,

>

>

>

> I recently attended the Global Cancer Summit in Dublin. I

> wrote a story about my time there, which I hope will give

> everyone a little hope. If anyone is using Facebook, please

> add me and join the Create Testosterone Deficiency Awareness

> Now cause.

>

>

>

> The story:

>

>

>

> As you know, I am on a mission regarding awareness of

> Testosterone Deficiency, as well as Cancer.

> Some may say I am obsessed!

> I have to say, as it turned out, I could not have scripted

> the Summit better, from my objective's perspective.

> This is what happened.

>

> Firstly, I wanted to create a bit of awareness in Ireland,

> so I headed off to Dublin a few days ahead of the Summit.

> On Wednesday of last week, I spent a few hours wandering

> round Dublin city centre with my prop, talking to men and

> women about male Cancers. The wonderful people of Dublin

> were responsive. Much to my amazement, the first two people

> I encountered as I began my walk to the centre, were TC

> survivors! Soon enough though, I was educating people who

> were otherwise unaware. A rewarding day for me personally.

>

> The following day I headed south to Blarney, which is one

> of the most lovely village locations I have seen. It was my

> home for the next three days, as I intended to intercept the

> Tour of Ireland on the three stages. Blarney was pretty

> central to all three.

>

> Day one of the tour saw me just outside Waterford, sitting

> on my car with my prop. As people drove past, I began to get

> waves and toots on the horn, which I appreciated. Eventually

> the advance tour cars drove by tooting away, followed by the

> breakaway group containing Lance Armstrong. I managed to get

> a good shot of him as they approached.

>

> The following day I headed to Fermoy and followed a similar

> plan. This time though, a small red car pulled up near me.

> The occupant turned out to be an amateur reporter, who had

> decided to write a feature about this crazy Englishman. As

> we stood talking, the advance cars came past tooting away

> again, until one slid untidily to a halt in the shale. It

> had " Media " on the back. Out jumped a photographer and

> snapped away for a while, til he jumped back into the car

> and it raced off.

>

> The following day started very wet, so I abandoned my

> thoughts of meeting Stage 3. Instead I drove to

> Dublin,checked into the hotel and registered for the Summit.

> I was looking for Andy A and didn't have far to look, as he

> was chatting with Will Swetnam of CCC, Joe Schneider and

> Lynn Lane of Voices of Survivors.

> A few friendly words and registration was completed. As we

> walked back to the hotel, I remarked how keen I was to meet

> Dr -Lattin, who'd been of enormous help early

> in 2003. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, one of

> our group said, " Here's ! " And so it was. At last, I

> was able to thank him personally for setting me on the road

> towards the Testosterone Deficiency Centre website. Back at

> the hotel, I bumped into Jonny Imerman and felt his amazing

> presence for the first time.

>

> Off to the castle we went, where a harpist greeted us as we

> entered the upper rooms. It wasn't long before an African

> delegate began to accompany her in a beautiful soprano

> voice. I was lucky enough to encounter the legendary TC

> Oncologist, Dr Craig Nichols and Ellen, his wife, and

> introduced myself. A little later, I took the opportunity of

> interrupting Brewer as he filmed away. It sure was

> good to shake his hand after thirteen years association.

>

> The format of each day was the same. We did everything but

> sleep together, it seemed. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were

> all taken together. It reminded me a little of my

> schooldays.

>

> Day 1, whilst enjoyable and very informative, was a little

> frustrating, as I really wanted some action. I did meet a

> number of very interesting people however. I walked to and

> from the hotel with my prop, but kept it out of sight in the

> conference. However, once I saw , aka " Mr

> Testicle " dressed in his body suit, I brought it out for a

> photo op at the end of proceedings. So far, so good. My prop

> accompanied me everywhere at conference from then on.

>

> Day 2 saw us begin work, where we all sat at differing

> subject, or geographical area, tables by choice. I decided

> on the European table and made my way to it. There sat a man

> who was dressed differently to the rest of us and had 80's

> style hair. It turned out to be Mike s lead singer of

> the UK cult band of the eighties The Alarm. He introduced me

> to the very lively Foley, who works with him in

> gaining Bone Marrow volunteers. A BMT saved Mikes life!

> We chatted away for a while, before a lady named

> joined us. She was the president of Europa Donna and we had

> a very interesting talk about getting action out of the Euro

> parliament.

>

> The three sessions were exhausting and by the third, what

> with Lance riding round Pheonix Park, and general fatigue, I

> found myself alone at the table with our lovely volunteer

> Harriete. She'd been typing as we talked, so our thoughts

> could be fed into a central bank of everyone's thoughts, for

> later digestion and perhaps adoption of the better ideas. It

> was a pleasure to chat to her.

>

> That night, we went to the Guinness Brewery. The speeches

> were moving for all of us I guess, as first Sherwen

> (Tour de France Commentator and friend to Lance), then

> Mcceachern of Nike, told some very personal stories about

> Lance and his struggle against TC. I was sitting near Lance

> and could see how, even thirteen years later, how emotional

> it was for him as he listened to his friends.

> I joined in the post dinner tribute to Robin Brewer, Chris'

> brother, who died of Cancer 3 years ago and was honoured to

> be there.

> -Lattin was on the bus back to the hotel and

> amidst general repartee and banter between Dorsey

> McMillan, myself and a few others, assured me, I am still

> crazy after all these years. I just need it in writing and I

> can get 3 square meals a day with a roof over my head for

> the rest of my life.

>

> As I tossed and turned in bed that night, I tried to

> imagine how I could get Lance's signature on my prop,

> preferably on stage. I already have Bill Wyman and

> Daltrey's signatures along with a number of well known

> sports personalities this side of the pond. The intention is

> to auction it, so Lance's signature would guarantee added

> value.

> No matter how I tried, I couldn't see how it was going to

> happen, so slick was the scheduling and so tight was Lances

> security. I didn't sleep well. I knew I had to get more

> attention than most, if I was to further the cause, but how?

>

>

> Day three and three hours left of conference. It was a

> communications session, helping us to get our message out.

> The final piece involved us all telling a story in one

> minute. Our expert had led us through the necessary elements

> of a good story, principle amongst them being the importance

> of the first sentence. I soon had my first sentence and was

> confident it would do a good job.

>

> The same story had to be told three times to three

> different audiences of four and it had to be personal and

> true, though not necessarily about our Cancer experience. It

> was mildly chaotic as we followed the plan, but in the end,

> we did it.

>

> When it was finished, we were asked to stand up and go to

> the person who had told the most compelling story they'd

> heard. The people with the most hands on them, would be

> hauled onto stage to tell it, one more time.

> As I prepared to stand, the lady opposite me pointed at me

> and said " You sit there Mr " . Trust me, when Tamika Felder

> issues an instruction like that, you disobey at your peril.

> One look into her eyes told me that. So I sat, and became

> quite claustrophobic, as people came and placed a hand on

> me. The presenter came. " Its obvious we have one here " he

> said, and asked me to go to the stage. I grabbed my prop and

> almost ran to the stage. The opportunity had somehow

> arrived. Carpe Diem!

>

> As I walked onto the stage the Stage manager came out and

> hissed, " would you please get off this stage " . I let her

> know I'd been asked to come up and she disappeared, happy it

> seemed, with my answer. Soon, five other delegates joined me

> on stage. I wondered which end of the line would be chosen

> to start, as I was at one end. Tomy relief, the presenter

> walked to the other end to begin. I had five minutes to

> gather myself for the most important minute of my life to

> date. I had to make it count.

>

> I told my story eventually and we were all asked to turn

> round, so our fellow delegates could vote for the most

> compelling. At the end of the voting, my story somehow ended

> up on top. I was humbled and delighted. But more was to

> come.

>

> Once the session ended a couple of minutes later, ladies

> from across the world appeared pressing their cards into my

> hand and requesting a photo. Some invited me to their

> country to help, as they see my prop as a great way to do

> something about one huge feature that continues to blight

> our battle with Cancer. That of Male Denial.

> Brewer came across and congratulated me and that

> meant a heck of a lot.

> Finally, the producer of the documentary being shot for the

> Summit introduced himself and made my day. He confessed to

> having a tear in his eye as I told my story.

>

> Lance the came in for the final group photo. I was near,

> but not near enough to ask him to sign my prop. Photos over

> and he was whisked away to one side of the hall and

> disappeared into the passage behind the flags lining the

> auditorium. It was now or never!

>

> I went over to the flags and stuck my head through, just as

> Lance and his entourage passed some ten metres away. " Excuse

> me Lance, would you sign my testicle please? " I enquired.

> " NO " , he shot back, but turned to look at me and was

> smiling, though looking very uncomfortable. Something I

> noted apologetically, saying my testicle was large pink and

> fluffy and I was going to auction it. As he turned smiling

> again, more comfortably, he said, " You can tell everyone it

> is blessed " .

> And so I am. Lance blessed my testicle and his endorsement

> of my mission means a lot to me. The signature would have

> been nice, but I can always tell the story.

>

> Mission completed at the GCS. Many new friends made and,

> hopefully, the start of greater movement towards the ending

> of male denial, myths and stigma about male health. I am

> more than satisfied with the outcome so far.

>

>

>

>

>

> Thanks for reading,

>

>

>

> Nick

>

>

>

> Nick O'Hara

>

> Author, The Testosterone Deficiency Centre

> (www.androids.org.uk)

>

> Associate Editor The Testicular Cancer Resource Center

> (tcrc.acor.org)

>

> Livestrong Community Leader The Lance Armstrong Foundation

> (www.LAF.org)

>

> Fundraiser Everyman Cancer Research

> www.justgiving.com/nickohs

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>