My name is Matt Ferstler and I am a TesticularCancer survivor and advocate. In January of 2008 I notice something different on my left testicle; for a year I kept pondering what it could be until one year later on January 23rd 2009 I mustered up the strength to find the answers! I remember that day; the office was cold and lonely and I thought no one knew the fear I had. Two weeks prior I had done research on what was attacking my left testicle and much to my surprise I self-diagnosed myself as having the C word. I lost it! In my mind only people who are 70- or over are diagnosed with cancer, I was 22 and invincible. So, back to the doctor’s office; as I waited and waited my world was shaking beneath me. I knew that in only minutes all this cancer talk would become a reality. I got the verdict around 10:30am that morning and at about 10:39am I was a passionate fighter. I knew right away what my calling was in life.
The following Monday I had my scheduled left radical orchiectomy in which I lost one of my best friends. It was a sad moment for me but also a new beginning. I took on the nickname that January of “single jingles” meaning one testicle.
Over the next year in a half I created a non-profit to educate young men about the importance of self-exams. It is my goal to spread the word about Testicular Cancer all awhile helping men along the way. TC is the number one most common cancer among men in the US ages 15-35. Scary huh! Then let’s start talking about it!
Single Jingles has created shower cards and education materials all because TC is 98% survivable if it can be caught early and TC self-exams are the best way to check for signs monthly. I am now 2 years in remission and God willing I will be for a life time.
when you get thrown in in those situations you can: 1)"dive", 2)"survive", or 3)"thrive". you, my friend, defiantly choose to "thrive" KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! looking forward to reading the rest of your posts!
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