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Survivor Stories

Personal journeys of diagnosis, treatment, and life beyond cancer.

Alex Soo

I was diagnosed in the fall of 2019 at age 33 and treated at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas by Dr. Matthew Campbell. After experiencing sharp pain in my lower back, I visited my primary care doctor, where an ultrasound revealed a softball-sized tumor wrapped around my lower aorta. I had no pain or swelling in my testicle—the cancer had already burned out there and spread to my lymphatic system.

January 7, 2026

Doug Carey

Doug Carey’s testicular cancer journey began with something many men might overlook—an unusual change he noticed during a routine self-exam. It wasn’t a distinct lump or pea-sized bump, but something different about his left testicle that stood out. After two weeks of uncertainty and self-checks, Doug’s left testicle grew significantly, and a noticeable mass developed. This prompted him to visit his doctor, and soon after, he received the life-altering diagnosis: testicular cancer.

October 2, 2024

Brett Samson

Brett Samson’s journey with testicular cancer began when he experienced lower back pain. At first, he brushed it off, thinking it would subside on its own. But the discomfort soon worsened, spreading to his scrotum. Realizing something was seriously wrong, Brett sought help. His trip to urgent care proved fruitless, as they lacked the necessary testing, but a visit to the ER provided clarity: an ultrasound revealed the issue, and he was quickly scheduled for a consultation with a urologist.

October 1, 2024

Dan Wheeler

Dan Wheeler’s journey with testicular cancer began unexpectedly. After a long weekend of hunting, he discovered a lump on his left side. Concerned, Dan sought medical attention, leading to the life-altering diagnosis of testicular cancer.

October 1, 2024

Justin Birckbichler

It was 2016. Justin Birckbichler was 25 years old. He taught fourth grade by day and had recently completed a Spartan race. He was, like many 25-year-old men, fit and healthy to the point that he hadn’t been to the doctor in years.

Ryan Jackson

Ryan Jackson is a resilient individual who has faced the challenges of testicular cancer twice. Born and raised in Delbarton, WV, Ryan spent most of his life there before relocating to Knoxville, TN, in 2012. Currently residing in Mooresville, NC, with his boyfriend, Devon Rouse, Ryan is known for his initial quiet demeanor that warms up once he gets to know someone. Ryan's family includes his brother Cory, who still lives in Delbarton, and his parents, Tina and Allen, who reside in Johnson City, TN. His career in law enforcement began in 2019, and in his free time, he enjoys new experiences with his boyfriend, traveling, spending time on the lake, hanging out with friends, riding side-by-sides, and going to the gym.

Steve Gavers

In 1994, when Steve Gavers was 32, he worked a construction job, played on four softball teams, and hadn’t been to the doctor in 16 years. But then he started noticing low-level pain where his left front pocket hit. It was a nuisance, but not enough to slow him down, so he toughed it out for a while.

John Dougherty

All seems good and we have a lot of options on the table. Let me do a quick physical exam before you go.”My wife and I had gone to see my urologist for some guidance on fertility. Up to this point, our attempts were unsuccessful and we weren’t entirely sure why. I was born with a bladder defect that we knew posed a minor obstacle in having a baby. But he quickly reassured us that it shouldn’t be a problem and we have plenty of options on the table.

Brent Dirks

It's a weird way to think about it but I know my cancer was not about me. What does that even mean? It means that cancer helps me help others.I've always been a helper. I'm the oldest son of 5 kids to a police officer and emergency room nurse. I had no chance. Public service is in my blood. I shot for the middle and became a firefighter/paramedic. I knew about the risks involved of running into burning buildings and crazy drivers on the highway while we tend to victims of car wrecks but never gave much thought to how the job could affect my health. All the old guys have bad backs so I've tried to stay healthy and active and "use good lifting form."

Zak Pendleton

There I was on May 10, 2016 in a routine physical exam. My real intention behind the appointment was just to get it out of the way so I could keep a discount on my monthly health insurance premium.During the appointment, I wondered why we even had to go through the interrogation about my health. “I’m healthy” I thought to myself. I was preparing to do a 100-mile cycling ride in four days and for the most part felt ready to go. “Anyone who can ride 100 miles on their bike doesn’t have to worry about a medical exam.”

September 19, 2016

Scott Mitchell

My whole saga started innocently enough. I had back pain. I like to think of myself as a macho guy, and therefore i contributed the pain to my manly workouts. Yep, that was it, I must have torn/pulled a muscle while lifting weights.

Gabe Barcenas

My whole saga started innocently enough. I had back pain. I like to think of myself as a macho guy, and therefore i contributed the pain to my manly workouts. Yep, that was it, I must have torn/pulled a muscle while lifting weights.

Mark R. Zeiler

1984 - Removal of right testicle and lymph nodes on both sides from bottom of ribs to hips1986 - Removal of left testicleOnly treatment has been hormone replacement therapy. When test from all the lymph nodes came back negative I had no further treatment. Was monitored very closely over the next 3 years. Now just yearly check ups.TC can be one of the most curable cancers if we can overcome the stigma that surrounds the subject of personal inspection of ones testicles. And if a lump is detected to get immediate tests done.

Ronald Bye

We all have a story to tell. A good story has a beginning, middle and an ending. My story has many beginnings and thankfully no ending as yet. My story is of survival, rebirth, finding my voice and finally healing.Just a few years after Richard Nixon declared war on cancer, I heard those fateful words, “you have cancer”. I was 20 years old and had been married 11 months, 3 weeks and 2 days. I was trying to find my way in the world and looking to start a life with my young bride.It was June 1975 and I had some nagging groin pain which I attributed to working in construction and a probable hernia. I went to the emergency room to get checked out but they could not find anything and recommended I see an urologist. I for the most part ignored the suggestion as I really did not want to see a doctor but my wife kept pushing me to go. Finally, in early August, she made an appointment for me and simply told me to go.

Mike Stapleton

I am an Advanced EMT with Beaufort County EMS, a husband, and the father of three children ages six, four, and two. I had just accepted my position and was preparing to move my family from Augusta, Georgia to Beaufort, South Carolina when I began noticing pain shortly after starting the job. I assumed it was a muscle strain from constant bending, lifting, and pulling.

Larry Hughson

My story is not about sports or weight loss, but it is about a fight. Recently I learned that I was in for the fight of my life. In my corner I already had my beautiful wife (Tammy), my family and a few close friends.

Michael Sileno

This year marks the 15 year anniversary that I've been cancer free. I received my last chemo treatment sometime right before Christmas in 1997. I wrote this documenting my experience during the time I was going through this at 17 years old during my senior year of high school. I'm copying it below in its original form. Some of it is not accurate, such as being sterile. That's not true anymore and not due to a miracle either, as I stated. I want to make it obvious that I didn't mention God or religion on purpose. I came to terms with my beliefs before the time this happened to me and got through it just fine being who I am. I shouldn't have to say this, but I read so many stories like this giving all credit to some thing else other than the person going through it, those supporting them, and those treating it based on scientific research/knowledge. It's like a "who can pray the hardest" contest that is counter-productive.

Steve Heaviside

Cancer is a life-altering whirlwind of a disease. Testicular cancer, specifically, can be emasculating and difficult. When I was diagnosed in 2013, I had little information and did not personally know anybody who had ever battled the disease. Through surgery, an intense chemo regimen, and a variety of worrying tests and checkups - I really felt like I was on my own. The Testicular Cancer Foundation is not only a platform for me to share my story with you; it is something that has connected me with other brave, amazing individuals who know this struggle. Thanks to the TCF, I have friends in Texas, Illinois, Utah, Connecticut, etc who are all also doing their part to spread awareness, knowledge and understanding of this disease. I wish I had these people to contact when I was first diagnosed. I hope every guy that is diagnosed with TC in the future is aware that this support system and educational materials are there for them.

Trey Velasco

When I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer back in March 1989, I didn’t have an outlet to discuss what I was confronting. There wasn’t a support group or a nonprofit where I had an opportunity to listen, connect and contribute what I was enduring. On occasion, I would meet a fellow survivor who wished me well on the journey to recovery, albeit whispering or pulling me to the side. There was such a stigma of shame or embarrassment and only made me feel that more insecure about my diagnosis. It wasn’t until I was part of the TCF Speakers Bureau that I had a collective group of guys who had experienced what I went through, obviously some had endured much more than I had faced. TCF gave me the opportunity to personify the disease in a positive light vs feeling inadequate and alone. I met survivors who had expressed what I had felt all along but I never had the opportunity to examine those feelings up close and personal with other survivors.

Cory Hentgen

Hello. My name is Cory Hentgen and three years ago I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I had a right orchiectomy and four weeks later three weeks of chemotherapy. I never chose to go through cancer but I knew all along that I wanted to use my journey to help others. I came across the Testicular Cancer Foundation and saw that they had a great program that educated others about the disease and the importance of early detection through monthly self exams. I was able to meet and be encouraged by other survivors in the Speakers Bureau. Now, I have the privilege of speaking with sophomore boys every semester on the importance of early detection of testicular cancer. If I just save one life, the journey is well worth it.

Mason Moore

Meet Mason Moore from Oviedo, FL. Mason joined the Speakers Bureau in 2013 and has been a powerful resource for the organization ever since. He has done multiple speaking engagements on behalf of the organization, including three in the last two months. He also has three more in the pipeline, presenting to the Orange County Public Schools – one of the largest public school systems in the country. He is on an absolute tear, and we would like to thank him for all of his hard work and effort in pushing this cause, and creating much needed awareness about the disease.

November 17, 2015

Connor O'Leary

My name is Connor O’Leary. I was born in Seattle, raised in Utah, and from a young age my life revolved around cycling. I started racing competitively at 13 and worked my way through the ranks—from the USA Junior National Team to the U23 National Team—eventually earning a spot on Bontrager LIVESTRONG, one of the top professional development cycling teams in the world. By 19, cycling had taken me overseas, living and racing in Europe and chasing what felt like a dream.

September 9, 2015

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