Login with FacebookMALECARE
327 Page Views
14 reviews total. Average rating:
I was a Client Served & I've become an activist in promoting better information for all men, especially gay men, and gay married men in mixt orientation marriages.
Post public compliment
I'm a prostate cancer victim, hopefully cured, but awaiting results. Too soon to tell. I was confused by what the doctors said, insulted by their ignorance of the "quality of life" issues beyond the cancer itself as they apply to gay men. I searched other prostate support groups and found disappointment. I found group on Yahoo "prostatecancerandgaymen" which Malecare sponsors; it answered questions, there were men there who were not ashamed to talk about real problems, both emotional and physical. They were comfortable in talking openly about details which "polite society" would not on other resources. They directed me to other resources. Their book "Gay Man's Guide to Prostate Cancer" gave me hope and an understanding that I wasn't alone in my feelings.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... Providing a safe space where gay men and straight men who feel comfortable associating with us can really share and learn. Both at a solid technical level and at a totally vernacular and personal level.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... I've been able to learn good medicine and good science. I've been able to vent frustrations with those who understand. I've been able to get questions answered. And best of all, I've been able to help others with all those same things.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... I've only talked to one directly, seen the work of others. They seem, honest, educated, knowledgeable, over-worked, and under compensated (they're all volunteers).
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Make a small dent in the imbalance of research funding of prostate cancer vs. breast cancer. And mount a counter campaign to those who would deny us testing and treat us as actuarial statistics.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I hope that the organization can find the resources to organize and support local meetings and local support groups.
- If I ran this organization, I would... Make clear how the consortium of separate organizations focused on gay-cancer is interconnected and linked. Improve the websites so that resources would be easier to find.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Other organizations that deny their existence, a medical profession that while perhaps not homophobic, resists acknowledging, and educating themselves to deal with the special issues that gays may bring.
- One thing I'd also say is that... Prostate cancer is no longer just an old man's disease; and even if it were, we are living lots longer now. Research and support group support is essential, but perhaps more essential is a cultural shift that allows men to talk honestly about sex and PCa.
Malecare's monthly support group meetings in Manhattan really are supportive. If the Yahoo! group weren't irrationally selective in admitting members, perhaps I'd have sought the same sort of guidance online. In retrospect, I think I benefitted more from the direct personal interaction around a table.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... direct personal interaction with folks confronting a similar situation.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... Manhattan support group meetings were better publicized.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... publicizing its existance.
I was a Volunteer & received support with my struggle to del with advanced prostate cancer, have started with Malecare an international listserv serving men with advanced prostate cancer and thir families and partners, write a comprihensive blog for the same pooultion and pa
Post public compliment
To clarify, I am both a volunteer and a client served.
Malecare is the only national organization that serves both straight, gay and transgender men diagnosed with cancer. It is also the only organization that has developed support programs for men with advanced and recurrent prostate cancer.
When I was first diagnosed with recurrent prostate cancer I searched from one organization to another, went from one support group to another and was unable to find any program that attempted to meet my personal needs. This was despite the fact that I lived in New York City!
Malecare's weekly support group was the only group I attended that reached out to me and helped me deal with my individual situation. The men who participated and the group leader provided much needed support in a time of my life that was most difficult.
The leadership of Malecare (all of whom are volunteers) was flexible enough and interested in my general concerns about the lack of support programs for men with advanced disease. With the organizations support and encouragement, I was able to join with Malecare and start additional, nationally based programs designed specifically for men diagnosed with advanced disease and their families.
Malecare is a true grassroots organization that is vital to our society and meeting needs of the under-served population.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... the assistance it provides to both men and their families when faced with the terrible diagnosis of cancer. Men come to the organization in a confused and crisis state and are helped to make decisions and deal with the rest of their life.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... its flexibility to deal with the ituation as it arises.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... All professional volunteers!
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... rock the world of cancer support.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... It could not be better
- If I ran this organization, I would... do a better job publicizing its work with all men and their families.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Since it is all volunteer (no paid staff or workers)the work it does accomplish is diluted by the limits its volunteers have on time.
- One thing I'd also say is that... Malecare uses a very limited budget and makes it go a long, long way.
I was a Client Served & This helped me keep my pistol in its case
Post public compliment
Prostate cancer is not a gay men's problem, it is every man's problem, just look at the stats. If you get it as a "young" man, in your forty's or fifties, it will probably kill you, but before that the treatments will take your erection, your libido and soon after will begin to erode your soul. This site has been helpful to me in deciding, as I must do every day, whether the cost of my survival exceeds in value.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... The messages of my fellow sufferes.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... This organization is not about enjoyment.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I don't know of any way to improve my experience.
I was a General Member of the Public & I attended meetings and discussion groups
Post public compliment
An important resource for gay men who seek information and support for dealing and living with prostate cancer. The guest speakers are among the most prominent experts in the medical field.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... Providing information to men living with prostate cancer before and after treatment.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... More written materials were made available