A father from Fulham, who underwent surgery to remove his right testicle due to cancer, hosted a unique "farewell to righty" Zoom party before the procedure. Patrick Frank, a 40-year-old originally from Washington, DC, discovered an abnormality in early 2021 when he noticed his right testicle felt harder than the left. After medical tests confirmed a tumor, he was scheduled for an orchiectomy.
Staying Positive Through a Health Crisis
Determined to maintain a positive outlook, Patrick organized a virtual gathering with friends and family the night before his surgery. The event featured a heartfelt slideshow set to Sarah McLaughlin's "I Will Remember You," showcasing humorous illustrations of his testicle created by a comic book artist friend. This creative approach helped him cope with the emotional weight of the diagnosis.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Awareness Efforts
Following the operation, pathology results revealed the tumor was cancerous but had not spread, placing Patrick at stage one testicular cancer. With the cancer successfully removed, he became passionate about promoting men's health. In a bold move, he completed a 27-kilometer run across London, tracing a route in the shape of a penis and testicles, which he dubbed the "todger trot." This effort was recorded on Strava and aimed to raise awareness for testicular cancer.
Training for the London Marathon
Now, Patrick is preparing to run the London Marathon on April 26 for The Robin Cancer Trust, a charity dedicated to testicular, ovarian, and germ cell cancers. This event marks five years since his diagnosis, and he views it as a celebratory milestone. He is currently training rigorously, weightlifting twice a week and running approximately 30 miles weekly, with hopes of finishing under three hours and 30 minutes.
Advocating for Early Detection
Patrick emphasizes the importance of early medical intervention, sharing his experience to encourage other men to seek help if they notice any changes. He credits the NHS for its support since moving to London in 2022 and highlights that health should not be a financial burden. His message is clear: taking responsibility for one's health is crucial for oneself and loved ones.
In addition to the marathon, Patrick is organizing a comedy fundraiser titled "Bollocks to Cancer" on May 20 at Rich Mix in Shoreditch, London, to further support The Robin Cancer Trust. Through these efforts, he continues to turn his personal challenge into a powerful campaign for cancer awareness and prevention.
