More than 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each
year in the United States, and 42,000 die from it. But thanks to early
detection—which is the most critical aspect of survivability—I had
time to amass the latest research data and to explore my treatment
options fully before taking the next step. Prostate cancer survivor
General Norman Schwarzkopf put it succinctly: "For me, it was like
war. First thing you do is learn about the enemy."

I made a concerted effort to find doctors I trusted and respected—
people who would work with me, not "for me" or "on me." I
opened up to those closest to me and derived great strength from
their love and prayers. I decided to face my cancer squarely, to fight
it with all my might and, ultimately, to win.

My most valuable ally in this battle, as throughout our marriage,
was my beloved wife, Karen. She was by my side, a radiant source
of inner peace every step of the way.

In January 1992, I underwent five hours of surgery at the Univer-
sity of Utah Health Sciences Center for removal of my prostate
gland. Subsequent pathology tests indicated the cancer had not
spread to my lymph nodes or elsewhere, but the disease had totally
encapsulated my prostate. The next six months were virtual torture.

My bout with cancer left me with greater strength and faith and
with an intensified feeling of oneness with my fellow man. It also
left me with a vision: I vowed to launch one of the country's preem-
inent cancer research institutes—a foundation devoted exclusively
to helping eradicate the scourge of cancer—all cancers. This was not
a fleeting impulse; it was and continues to be a deep passion. My
mother died of breast cancer and my father was victimized by
prostate cancer.

As one in five men will contract prostate cancer at some point in
his life, research is imperative, and the need for funding for prostate
cancer research is great. This disease is not the only one commonly
referred to as a silent killer, but it is distinguished by the silence of
its victims and potential victims. It is just now coming out of the
closet, according to Dr. William Fair of the Memorial Sloan‐
Kettering Cancer Center in New York.Men have been reluctant to
speak out about a disease that is so intensely personal with its
haunting specter of impotence and incontinence. The National Can-
cer Institute spent $1.8 billion on breast cancer from 1990 to 1997
and only $376 million on prostate cancer. My goal, and the goal of

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