I remember lying on the gurney before my surgery almost 5 years ago and saying to myself, "If I can get through this, someday I will give back to this super hospital and all the wonderful people that work here".

As I approach retirement and have some extra time on my hands, today that day came. This afternoon was my first day of volunteer work at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. For a half day per week, I will be working with a doctor doing a study that has been going on since 1996. It's purpose is to evalute and follow men that are at high risk for prostate cancer.

Although my first choice would have been something in the oral or head and neck cancer area, there really are no studies going on in this area. In speaking with my surgeon however, we came up with the idea me being called in to speak with patients that are hesitant about having their recommended surgery. I think this can be very rewarding for me and helpful for the patient. I look forward to helping out in this area.