It began in 2004 when a group of friends met after a rough day on the golf course, enjoying time at the 19th hole and a bit of “guy-talk.” The men quickly learned they had more in common than a poor golf swing: all had experienced the trauma of prostate cancer through a loved one or friend. As they shared their stories that evening, the groundwork was laid for Central Ohio Men Against Prostate Cancer.

Beginning with the first “Par for Life” Golf Tournament, COMAPC, then known as The Central Ohio Hackers, connected with friends and relatives who joined the group to promote its mission to support prostate cancer education, outreach and research. “Par for Life” continues to be the key fundraiser for COMAPC, with more than 300 golfers teeing off to fight prostate cancer.

COMAPC has built strong alliances with prostate cancer specialists, educational and support organizations, medical authorities and expert service providers to reach out to the minorities, culturally diverse and medically underserved communities, encouraging men to take control of their health needs. Early detection and treatment are critical in reducing mortality rates and improving full recovery for prostate cancer survivors.

Through the activism of its dedicated members, COMAPC expects to touch hundreds of men who take their health for granted. COMAPC will help men learn about treatment options and direct them to strong support system for patients and their loved ones. We need your help.

A group dedicated men and women serve on the COMAPC Board of Directors. Coming from diverse backgrounds and professions, the Board works together to support the efforts of COMAPC. To learn more about our Board members, click here.

COMAPC is an IRS approved tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to our organization are deductible under Section 170 of the Code. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Sections 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code.

My prostate cancer adventure started with a physical exam in December, after my 57th birthday. I thought I had nailed my exam. My weight was as low as it had been in over 10 years; my cholesterol was about 160 and my blood pressure was 128/80. I was feeling good!

Then my doctor called with the results of my blood test. He told me he didn't like the rate of change in my PSA number. At 3.2 the PSA test result wasn’t bad, but when compared to my previous baseline PSA he became concerned with the velocity rate of change, and scheduled an appointment with a urologist.

I wasn’t concerned. I thought I would be prescribed Flomax, because my prostate was probably just enlarged. The urologist told me that the numbers don’t give you a clear picture of what is going on, that you have to look at things on a cellular level. We talked about it and scheduled a biopsy for the next week. The biopsy results showed that I had stage 2 prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 7. At my age his advice was to either cut out the prostate or freeze it to eliminate the cancer cells. I elected to have cryoablation therapy, destroying the cancer cells by freezing them. Toward the end of January I had my surgery. Within one month my life had changed forever.

Since my surgery I have had 2 biopsies and both came back benign. My PSA is .05. After being diagnosed with cancer, I never thought I would be able to say that I am cancer free, having never gone through radiation or chemotherapy. My father died at 61. I have a wife and 2 daughters, 23 and 18. I did this for them. I am retiring at the end of July and plan on spending many years with the people that mean the most to me.

There are so many mixed messages in the press, downplaying the PSA testing. There needs to be more awareness about the disease, because most people are so naive. Guys don't want to talk about it. They don't want to know about it, or make decisions about it. When I encourage someone to be tested the natural response is, "I'm fine." Most guys suffer in silence, but talking about it helps me deal with it. I’ll certainly be at the COMAPC golf outing and do whatever I can to help.