"I like helping people, and word has gotten around."

**Scott** · 04-28-12, 01:20 PM

Props to our own TC Destroyer!

http://rapidcityjournal.com/lifestyl...a4bcf887a.html

**TonyTigger** · 04-28-12, 02:15 PM

Thanks, for sharing. As a new guy to TC its great to see others raising awareness.

**cbvance** · 04-28-12, 06:37 PM

Great Job TC Destroyer! Your efforts will save lives.

**Rush67** · 04-28-12, 08:19 PM

That's outstanding!

Keep up the great work.

**TC Destroyer** · 04-28-12, 11:29 PM

Thanks gang. There will be a story on the local news channel as well. I am speaking to two high schools on Monday. Our very own asmartin will be helping with one of the schools. He is hoping to start giving presentations to local high schools as well. Again I give all the props to Alex (Aegletes), he started giving presentations and inspired me to do the same. Thank you Alex for guiding and encouraging me.

**AustinsMom** · 04-29-12, 12:30 AM

As a Mom of a teenager who was recently diagnosed with TC at age 16, I applaud you for what you are doing. Austin is lucky, and we are fortunate, that he felt comfortable enough to come to us (his Dad) as soon as he noticed something was off.....in his case, pain and swelling. However, had he known how to self examine his testicles and that TC even existed, perhaps it would have been discovered sooner and he would not have to be enduring Chemo treatments today. In any case, even if your efforts make a difference in only one young man's life who is affected by TC, or any other cancer or ailment, it's time well spent. I have yet to meet anyone, INCLUDING nurses in the Pediatric and Oncology Dept. at Johns Hopkins, who is aware that, although it is a rare cancer, it's the most common one in young men from ages 15-35! I never knew that until we faced Austin's diagnosis either.

I have been keeping a journal since his I/O and even suggested to Austin that he keep one, jotting down his thoughts along the way, now that he has started BEP. I thought we could take pictures as well, so that someday maybe he could share this experience with others. He is not so keen on the idea, and I totally get that. So, I continue to keep mine and snap photos here and there, with the idea if in the future he changes his mind, perhaps he can make a difference in someone's life too.

You fought an incredible battle, defeated the odds and have an amazing story to tell. Again, thanks for the gift you are giving these kids!!

Diane

**Aegletes** · 04-29-12, 07:07 AM

I'm so happy that you're doing this, John, and know that because of your personality, youth and TC experience, you're really making a difference and being an effective advocate for TC awareness with the kids you talk to. Keep up the excellent work!

Alex

**telecommatt** · 04-29-12, 10:27 AM

Great job! Even though I haven't been diagnosed yet, and my doc thinks it's most likely benign, I wish that I hadn't had to do all my learning about TC on my own over the past few weeks. If someone like you had stepped up at my high school or college, I certainly would have been better prepared for the feelings that assault you when you're told that something's not right. Thank you for stepping up!

**millerjnm** · 04-29-12, 09:42 PM

Great article! I wish I had known more about this disease before I was diagnosed. Your doing a good thing......keep it up!

**Smilemjc22** · 04-29-12, 10:22 PM

Its already been said, but thank you for getting the word out. As my son 22, we didn't know to tell him that checking himself was something to do, he didn't know....we are blessed that he told us, but again, if he had know to check regularly he too may not be going through chemo right now. So for all the young men that you can help, makes it better for everyone on this site. To make a difference is awesome because YOU will do it. Even if it is one young man, one young person saved from this, is a miracle. So good for you! and Thank you from us!

Steven's Mom

**TC Destroyer** · 04-30-12, 06:08 PM

Asmartin and I finished our presentations couple of hours ago. Man what a gratification it is to present to these kids. We were well received and had a lot of laughs. I think the message soaked in. Local news station is broadcasting a story on the presentations so that should be up on the internet soon. Making the 5 hour drive back home now so I won't see it until tomorrow.

Two high schools in one day man I am still pumped! I want to do another one right now!

**CancerSux** · 04-30-12, 10:35 PM

That is AWESOME John! Great work

**mahalomom** · 04-30-12, 11:37 PM

Thanks for spreading the word of self exams John!!!

I spoke at a local community college this last Thursday and was able to reach 100 young men. It was awesome. If we have to reach one at a time then that's what we'll do!!

~Mary Ann