Baltimore Prostate Cancer Advocate Diagnosed With Disease

0
15

As a doctor for over 30 years, Sanford Siegel has done more than care for men stricken with prostate cancer.

For more than a decade, he has spearheaded efforts that have resulted in raising more than $4 million dollars to fund research, provide free screenings and educate the community about this disease. Now, the fight has become personal for Siegel.

“Each year 225,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now, I am one of the 225,000. I have prostate cancer. Yes, me. It can happen to anyone,” Dr. Siegel said this week.

The beloved doctor says he has not bothered to question why the deadly disease has now counted him among its victims.

“I spent very little time feeling sorry for myself. My thoughts turned to my family, my community and all of the men and their families that have been touched by prostate cancer,” Siegel said.

Dr. Siegal says he has completed treatment at Chesapeake Urology where he serves as president and CEO and where he has done much of the work in helping those diagnosed. He is also using his unfortunate diagnosis to continue his advocacy to fight and to find a cure for prostate cancer.

“I am more dedicated than ever to increase awareness, to becoming an even stronger advocate for men’s health issues and to raising even money to find a cure,” Siegel said.

Just last year, Dr. Siegel helped raise $515,000, sparked by an annual Run/Walk event.

Chesapeake Urology’s cancer care program has provided free cancer screenings to over 8,800 men in Maryland and they’ve diagnosed many cancers that saved lives.

Dr. Siegel says Chesapeake’s prostate cancer research scholarship through the Urology Care Foundation of the American Urological Association has been fully funded to $1.1 million and they now have started a second scholarship to help inspire urologists to publish scientific and clinical papers to advance understanding of prostate cancer, genetics and treatment.

This year, during his 2018 Prostate Cancer Challenge Kickoff, Siegel’s goal is to raise $1 million as he prepares for the 12th annual Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Baltimore in September.

The beloved doctor’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“He has done a lot in examinations and fundraising with African American fraternities through leadership and significant contributions to improving the health of minorities” said Baltimore Times consultant Ackneil Muldrow II, who is president of Parker Muldrow & Associates. “He stages mas events with African American Fraternities for the betterment of the community through his Chesapeake Urology organization, a leader in this region.”

Dr. Siegel says he is still asking for support for others.

“Now, I have a greater passion and commitment to promote greater awareness, push for earlier screening and continue to raise funds for research and education,” he said. “I will not hide behind my disease. I will use it to make an even bigger impact.”

For more information about the 2018 Prostate Cancer Challenge Kickoff or to make a donation, visit: www.zerobaltimore.org.