Jim and Bob’s Story: A Common Thread

I’ve been a part of the Movember movement for the past 11 years, raising over $30,000 since joining the cause. But I couldn’t have done it on my own.

Five years ago I reconnected with a high school friend, named Jim. After chatting at a high school reunion, Jim reached out to offer up his incredible quilting skills to help me reach my fundraising goal.

My mother was a quilter for many years, so I knew the amount of hours and labor that went into making these amazing art pieces. For the past five years, Jim has created amazing quilt after amazing quilt to help raise more funds for Movember.

Every Movember is important to me, as it raises money and awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health. This Movember is especially meaningful as it brought the reality of the fight home. Jim bravely agreed to share his story with me: Five years ago, I offered to make a quilt that Bob could raffle off during his Movember campaign. At the time, I just wanted to help Bob. I didn’t really know or care about Movember. After all, I didn’t really have any concerns about prostate or testicular cancer as I had never known anyone with those types of cancers. Fast forward five years later, and a large mass was found in my abdomen.

After the initial set of appointments, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I was stunned until I realized I had chosen to not listen to my body, to my doctor and had ignored all the signs. Yes, I had felt a mass on my testicle several years ago but just ignored it. When the pain started, I ignored that too. I lived my life in happy ignorance until the abdominal tumor decided to get my undivided attention.

Although he’s on the other side of the Atlantic, Bob has been there every step of the way with cards, notes, and calls to check on me and encourage me. He got me plugged into Movember resources for men facing cancer treatment. These resources gave clarity where unknowns had been and reassurance from other men who had already been there and done that.

I had to let Bob know that with my treatment going on, I wouldn’t be able to finish this year’s moustache quilt. Our Mo Sister, Sharon – a friend of Bob’s sister and an avid quilter -- stepped in and finished the quilt so it would be ready for this year’s campaign.

A campaign to raise money for a foundation that has had an impact on my life. A foundation that funds research into ways to prevent and better treat testicular and prostate cancer. A foundation that works directly with men dealing with these cancers, giving them knowledge and reassurance to help them remain strong and hopeful. As you donate to the campaign this year, remember that you are ultimately helping men who are your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors and your family…and don’t forget to listen to your body.

This to me is an inspiring story about community, compassion, dedication and friendship. Everyone that donates to Movember inspires me to keep fundraising. The stories of why people donate, the personal accounts of brothers, sons, nephews, uncles, fathers, grandfathers, friends, husbands and partners that are dealing with prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issues show me that the need is great. Jim’s incredible generosity with his time and talent inspires me to do more, raise more and keep expanding awareness.

I will be on the planet for a short time. If I can do my part to help others, raise money, raise awareness and remind others that generosity is love then I will feel like I have done my part. 

Support Bob’sefforts to raise funds and awareness for men’s health and learn more about testicular cancer here.