Emerson Knowles

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without
courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” 
                                                                                          ~ Maya Angelou

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time undoubtedly when hundreds of thousands of men across America are forced to look prostate cancer straight in the eye with thoughts of their own mortality. Hopefully for millions more, it is a reminder to raise their awareness of the disease and adopt preventive behaviors.

For prostate cancer survivor Emerson Knowles, courage and love have been two pillars of support for he and wife, Peggy, as both have suffered their own medical challenges. Courage from within, as well as encouragement from loved ones, is the key element both have relied on to survive and thrive.

Blink of an Eye
In 2003, Peggy suffered a massive stroke at the young age of 45-years-old. Her stroke, which has left her partially blind and paralyzed on the left side of her body, took place just hours after her mother passed away from a sudden mortal stroke.

Suddenly, both Peggy and Emerson found themselves in a state of vulnerability and confusion.
 
“In the blink of an eye, Peggy’s life changed in a way we could never imagine,” said Emerson, a financial consultant and Arizona resident. “In the process of her recovery, I had only one focus, to help her with whatever she needed to get better.”

Emerson stood by his wife’s side while she learned how to speak, read, and write again. During that same time in 2004, the second medical challenge struck the Knowles family when Emerson was diagnosed with prostate cancer - a disease he was all too familiar with.

“My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in ’79 and died five years later from it,” recalls Emerson. “As scary as cancer can be, my thoughts were: I have cancer - now I need to find a way to beat it. Knowing I had to take care of Peggy gave me great drive and purpose which helped me take on the viewpoint that life will win and cancer will lose.”

Making a Difference
To treat his cancer, Emerson chose to undergo a radical prostectomy for the complete removal of his prostate. The surgery left Emerson with the temporary incontinence and fatigue that are common side effects of the surgery for prostate cancer patients.

In the weeks following surgery, he also dealt with the discomfort of having a catheter attached – a feeling which physically “defied the laws of nature”.

“It’s not a perfect straight line when you’re recovering from surgery,” recalls Emerson. “I’d wake up one morning feeling good, then all of the sudden I’d have to sit down and catch my breath due to exhaustion. But gradually, I was able to get myself back up and running.”

Inspired by Peggy’s recovery efforts, Emerson decided to change his own lifestyle by dedicating himself to healthy eating and regular exercise. Seven marathons later the surgery clearly has not slowed him down at all. 

His relationship with his granddaughter, Rowan, has also led him to fundraise for prostate cancer research so other men in his predicament would have the opportunity to see their own grandchildren grow up.

On March 17th 2008, the 25th anniversary of his father’s death from prostate cancer, Emerson began fundraising for the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s sports initiative, Athletes for a Cure (AFAC).

“Because of prostate cancer, my daughter never knew her grandfather,” said Emerson. “Twenty-five years later there have been so many major advances in research and I want to help keep that going. Athletes for a Cure gives me that focal point to share the joy and energy of life while giving back to the next generation.”

AFAC offers individuals online tools to create a community by registering participants to set up their own fundraising. Users can then upload photos, tell their own personal stories, and send emails to their friends and family through to collect donations for the cause.

Each week Emerson sends personal emails to friends, family, and business contacts to advance the cause. Since beginning his efforts to raise $50,000 by the end of this year, he has already successfully raised more than $29,000 for prostate cancer research.
 
On November 21, Emerson will continue his race for a cure by participating in the 109 miles bike race, El Tour de Tucson in Arizona.

“Never underestimate the value of a small act of kindness,”said Emerson.

Someone’s donation to Emerson’s cause, one small act of kindness, may someday lead to the breakthrough needed for saving millions of men’s lives.