My Nonprofit Reviews
TaconicBear
Review for Malecare, Inc., New York, NY, USA
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.
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I've personally experienced 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.
If I had to make changes to 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.
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...
I hope that the organization can find the resources to organize and support local meetings and local support groups.
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.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
