Partnering with Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA)



Just as we did research to find a prostate cancer non profit to support, we also looked for one to support for the Schizophrenia awareness and fundraising.  We chose Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA) for their mission and efforts to improve care, support and equity for those living with schizophrenia.   Schizophrenia is a neurobiological brain illness that often goes undiagnosed until later stages (much like prostate cancer.).  Also, the potential medications for treatment for schizophrenia have similar side effects to the "hormone therapy" treatments for prostate cancer.  

Besides these two similarities, the main reason we have chosen to also raise awareness and funds for S&PAA  is because during treatment for aggressive prostate cancer Scott's son Benny died of suicide at the young age of 24 - due to Benny's schizophrenia that Scott knew nothing about until after Benny died.  We believe Benny didn't share his diagnosis due to the stigma attached with mental health illness and schizophrenia.  

Schizophrenia is a spectrum of serious neurological-psychiatric brain diseases in which people interpret reality abnormally - they may have hallucinations, delusions or extremely disordered thinking.  Once diagnosed treatment is lifelong; but early treatment can mean a much better quality of life, though more work is needed for better diagnosis and treatment.  Schizophrenia can be one of the most disabling of medical conditions and many people struggle to find a medication that works, and if they do they struggle with the side effects, as we believe was happening with Benny.  

We are encouraged by the efforts of S&PAA who are global organization working to save lives -encouraging earlier diagnosis and better treatments. They recognize that "every day without treatment can mean the difference between life and death." www.sczaction.org.   Hopefully though Scott telling his story, and sharing Benny's story www.milesformoney.org more lives will be saved.   Please spread the word and tell people about Scott's mission, the mission of S&PAA and share this blog. Thank you.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bike Faster Scott! Mayo report – new metastasis and radiation, slight delay

Image
As we have said over and over, we are so extremely fortunate for the excellent care we have received by the medical professionals  along the way. This visit was no different and the Mayo report follows.   The PSA was up a bit more to .36, and the PSMA pet scan showed some new metastasis in the bones. The other blood work looked normal.  Today we saw Dr. Eugene Kwon,  Scott's primary  provider who explained the test results and is directing his care, and Dr. Sean Park, Mayo Radiation Oncologist. Dr. Kwon was already prepared with a plan at our 7:15 am appointment today. Dr Park was not even on the schedule but made time for Scott ( thanks to Dr. Kwon,)  when the PMSA pet scan showed some new mets that need to be addressed now. Dr. Kwon talked to Dr. Park, who got Scott in for the consult today, and then Dr. Park designed the simulation, which also happened today. Mayo again illustrated a fantastic team approach and communication! The radiation will begin o...
Read more

Mayo Visit January 3-4 2024 with Dr Kwon and his team

Image
  First, we are incredibly grateful to Dr. Kwon and his team. We have complete faith in them which makes the journey so much easier. Even so it is always stressful when testing is coming up as well as waiting for results. We are truly fortunate that because Mayo is so efficient it is a very short wait for results and decisions. Scott’s PSA went up a bit further over the last few months and he has some small visible m etastases (mets) revealed from the choline pet scan. One is the right clavicle from the last visit, and a “tiny” spot on a left rib, and an “indeterminate” spot on a lymph node. If you know Scott’s history, you know prior to chemo a couple of years ago Scott had a significant amount of bone and lymph node mets based on both the choline and PSMA pet scans. The PSMA pet scan tended to show more of the bone mets, the choline more of the lymph node mets. These all faded away through chemotherapy and hormone deprivation therapy. But in the last 6 months the cancer stoppe...
Read more

Cash Sweat and Tears award, Philly

Image
Scott took a break from biking, after pushing past 7000 miles and getting to Santa Barbara, CA., for us to fly to Philly to attend an awards luncheon. We are very honored to have received the Cash, Sweat & Tears award at the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum’s annual recognition of the year’s most inspiring volunteers. sponsored by Blackbaud.  See the linked press release here . Zero Prostate Cancer nominated Scott for this award for his drive and motivation to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. The CEO of Zero, Courtney Bugler, introduced us, underscoring the persistence, determination and work ethic Scott has exhibited throughout the 7000 miles, and 8 months of the journey. Scott then spoke to the audience about why he was doing this journey. If you have never heard Scott's story live, I urge you to go on Facebook  and listen to the video of his speech.  The ballroom had about 600 people representing multiple charities from around the world - and ther...
Read more