TRUE Love

Today like any other day is the perfect opportunity to tell someone you love them. For many that may mean a significant other, a son or daughter, a friend, or a secret crush. While not often top of mind for those who don't have a caregiver in their lives, any person who relies on somebody else to drive, dress, feed, and give them daily care (or for some person you love deeply), everyday is the time to express your gratitude.

My mother has the horrible disabling disease of the central nervous system - Multiple Sclerosis. She has been living with it for 30+ years. My family has seen her through many caregivers over the years including where she lives now, a full-care nursing home. I spend as much time as I can with her, but she doesn't rely on me for any of the physical care. It's all in the hands of her caregivers (and, she does have a team of amazing people she can depend on). These caregivers are my extended hands and legs. Without them, I wouldn't be able to give my mother what she needs everyday.

I have true love for the caregivers in my world and I'm certain others feel similarly, and when given the chance their stories must be heard.

This month, actress Kristen Bell (she's my favorite especially in The Good Place) is teaming up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) in its TRUE Love contest, which honors family and caregivers for their tireless work in caring for their loved ones living with prostate cancer. Now through February 28th, PCF invites spouses, partners, nurses, doctors, siblings, children and friends to share their TRUE Love stories on their unique situation with prostate cancer patients. The most inspirational story will be announced on PCF's social media and the winner will receive a special care package from Kristen Bell. Bell's father-in-law passed away from the disease in 2018, and has a personal connection to understanding the significant contribution and value caregivers provide in the whole support system.

How to submit your entry: Simply visit www.PCF.org/true and upload a written story and photo describing a unique caregiving situation.  Select stories will be featured on the PCF’s website.

In the United States, one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime and for African-American men, one in six men will develop the disease. African-American men are 76 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than a Caucasian man, and more than twice as likely to die from the disease. It is estimated that more than four million American men are living with prostate cancer. One new case occurs every three minutes and a man dies from prostate cancer every 17 minutes. Fortunately, many patients have someone dedicated to supporting them through the battle and that support can make all the difference in the world to someone with a cancer diagnosis.