If at a baseball game on PCa Awareness Night, would you do this or not?

Those of you who read my recent thread on Major League Baseball's admirable involvement with fundraising for cancer research may remember the comment on Prostate Cancer Awareness Night taking place at some MLB games. There was a link to such a game.

Here's more on that particular game:

https://www.facebook.com/karmanoscancer/posts/10158661224591758

and here are some lines from this link (and note what I have bold-texted):

"The Detroit Tigers, in partnership with Karmanos Cancer Institute, hosted Prostate Cancer Awareness Night on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Comerica Park. Ten prostate cancer survivors/family members joined the Tigers on the field as the honorary starting line-up. Prostate cancer survivor Greg Hines threw the honorary first pitch to his doctor ... Additionally, three Karmanos survivors were honored on the scoreboard screen.

So, it's not very important, but just out of curiosity, I was wondering, how many of us would have been interested in being out there on the field as part of the "honorary starting line-up?" Or maybe throw the first pitch? Or be "honored on the scoreboard screen?"

Additionally, and I couldn't determine if this actually took place at this particular game, sometimes the announcer will say at some point during the game something like

"Will those men who have or have been treated for prostate cancer please rise, and remain standing for a moment, to accept our applause for your courage and determination"

So, would you be willing to stand and accept the applause of your fellow fans, perhaps nodding politely to those around you as you stand, or would you prefer to remain seated?

There's no right or wrong answer here, it's entirely a matter of personal preference.

I suppose one reason to stand for that moment or two might be that, once seated again, someone sitting near you might reach over and offer their congratulations to you on what they assume has been successful treatment, or offer well wishes or something, but there could be more. The person might possibly engage you with a few brief questions about PCa, and that would be an opportunity for you to say a word or two about PCa to someone who might well benefit from hearing what you have to say about it.

So for that reason I think I personally might stand.

But either standing or not standing in this situation is reasonable, and whether we do or don't, it's still a positive thing to realize that we and men like us are being recognized like this on occasion.

So, If you would like, vote in the simple yes-no survey at top (it might be interesting to see if there is a preference, or if it's more like 50-50).

But, again, it's sort of nice to be recognized (and I guess honored) in a way like this from time to time.

I wouldn't go to a MLB game, but for the sake of this exercise, if I did I wouldn't go onto the field.

If in the stands, yeah, I'd stand. I've been through a lot, and have earned that much I guess. But really, it would be as suggested above, I would hope it could speak to some guys who are hesitant about getting a PSA screening. Or, worse, for those whose doctors are actively discouraging it.

Some thoughts to share ...

Each fellow's story is different ...

Along the way, in ways that work for each one of us ---- I feel this thread speaks to the topic of prostate cancer awareness --- and advocacy.

Each one of us can help advocate for men's healthcare awareness by having that "one brother to another" conversation with an old high school buddy, a nephew, a son, a brother, a work colleague, a poker buddy, a golf partner, an old college friend, a neighbor ...

My dad and I are both prostate cancer patients. We have both worked together --- sharing our story ---- in various ways.

Between the two of us ---- our connections are far-reaching ---- and cover fellows from my generation and Dad's generation.

Dad & I both have friends who have now been diagnosed, as well ---- and both of us check in with our friends who are now being treated.

More recently, my uncle was also diagnosed ---- and my dad and I have encouraged him since his diagnosis.

Along the way, Dad and I have participated in some advocacy events and helped raise research funds at 5-K distance events.

We have been recognized as survivors at these events, along with other friends and "brothers in the battle" ...

In whatever ways work for each fellow --- there are many ways to "reach out" and "find your voice" --- and be an advocate for men's healthcare and prostate cancer awareness.

We see shining examples of this, every day, right here on this forum! Bravo!

If you've never posted here before, we invite you to join in today --- and share a few lines of your story.

Here's to advancements in treatment research!
CYCLONE ---- # Iowa State University

Tom - you are not alone - I feel the same way when I'm at some event and they ask veterans to stand. I usually don't. I'm not uncomfortable in any way about my military service, and in fact I'm well taken care of these days by the VA. But I just don't want to be singled out because I'm no different than everyone else. I especially don't think its appropriate to call veterans or members of the active military heroes. Because if everyone is called a hero for just doing their job that takes away from people who really are heroes.

But that rant aside... I also wouldn't go on the field and probably wouldn't stand either if someone called out all the prostate cancer patients at and event because it's just something I have, not a major part of who I am.
Jim