Meyersdal cancer warrior breaks down taboos on prostate cancer

Michael Wade, a 53-year-old father and grandfather, will be tackling the streets of Joburg in support of the Teddy Bear Foundation, doing the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg on November 20.

The Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg MTB comprises three distances of mountain bike trails. It is a great way to support a very worthwhile charity while distinctively experiencing Joburg.

Michael, an avid mountain biker, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November last year.

There is a history of prostate cancer in his family. His father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in his 70s and he has since regularly been going for screening.

The screening is a simple blood test, annually. The risk of getting prostate cancer reportedly increases significantly if there is a family history. If discovered early it is curable.

His supportive wife Glenda Wade said November last year was a bad month for them.

“Michael’s father passed away and on top of his own diagnosis, his 12-year-old nephew was diagnosed with a malignant bone tumour in his leg. Luckily, because of the regular screening, Michael caught it early. The urologist gave him all the treatment options, because of the early stage the cancer was at,” she said.

Stigmatised disease

What became obvious to Michael while going through the diagnosis and treatment for his cancer was how many men avoid getting checked.

“There is this feeling of taboo surrounding talking about prostate cancer, especially with men. So many of my friends and acquaintances would pull me aside and ask questions. And because of this, I’ve been very open about how my journey is going, the good and the bad,” Michael said.

His prognosis is said to be really good. He chose to have brachytherapy, which takes nine to 18 months for the prostate-specific antigen levels to stabilise completely.

Amid finding out early and having treatment, Michael has been able to carry on with his life with very few restrictions.

“I have been mountain biking for many years. I ride locally with my wife and friends, including DOC’s Mountain Biking Club. One of the charity rides I have really enjoyed was the Trap de Val 100 miler for the Teddy Bear Foundation,” he explained.

Meaningful purpose

When the foundation asked if he would ride for them in the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg, he was quick to agree.

He told the Alberton Record the Teddy Bear Foundation is an amazing charity.

“Many years ago, they were instrumental in helping me and my youngest daughter deal with severe bullying at school. I hope that being open about my diagnosis it will encourage more men to go for that simple blood test. Cyclists or mountain bikers that are up for the challenge are encouraged to enter the Ride and ride for a purpose,” said Michael.

Teddy Bear Foundation coupon codes are 97km: TEDDY-765 and 35km: TEDDY-089.

Jean-André Deenik of Teddy Bear Foundation said the Wade family’s perceptions and willingness to discuss their difficulties is remarkable and is testament to the type of people they are.

“Generosity of spirit is often easy to present in a time of comfort, but it takes the best of us to stand up during times of adversity. I hope Glenda and Michael Wade can inspire you to get involved as much as they have inspired us. Let the strength and positivity of Michael’s recovery give our children strength and positivity in their own lives,” he said.

He said his treatment has afforded him the opportunity to help their children receive the treatment they need.

If you would like to support Michael’s ride, then kindly contribute towards changing a life on these details; Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children, Nedbank Parktown, Branch: 194 405, Account: 1944183361 and reference: 947 Wades Purpose.