Check Yo Nutz and Sammy the Squirrel have been staying busy and paid a visit to Jamestown Community College in October 2010!
The college held a three day event to keep spreading awareness about testicular cancer. Students had an opportunity to see instructional videos and props were even set up to offer students a chance to see how self exams are done.
Representatives from WCA and WNY Urology were also in attendance to help nursing students spread the message by passing out pamphlets and shower cards to the attendees.
Sammy was on the scene posing with students, distributing educational materials and encouraging students to participate in the event. His presence was appreciated by all of the students who attended.
“Sammy has been huge here,” said Shaina Reynolds, a student in JCC’s nursing program.
On the final day of the event Daniel Heims, JCC director of student life, gave a speech to the students about his own personal battle with testicular cancer that he faced in the summer of 2003.
“Before I was diagnosed, I really didn’t know much about testicular cancer. I knew the basics about self exams but nothing too specific,” Heims said. “When I was first told I had the disease I was shocked. Having to call my mother back in the states to tell her I had to have surgery because I might have cancer, I didn’t know how to go about that.”
When Heims was diagnosed with the disease he was living with his ex-girlfriend and her family in Germany. Seven years later, he is healthy and finds it important to raise awareness on a subject that does not receive enough attention.
His goal was that when students left his presentation, they knew that they weren’t
invincible to the disease. He wants people to know it’s okay to ask for help and listen to advice from others so they can beat testicular cancer like he did.
Thanks to Jamestown Community College for helping us educate males about TC!
- Jimmy Graziano
