Overcoming the Odds: Talks to breast cancer survivor and nurse and stage 4 prostate cancer survivor.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Holly Cotton (breast cancer survivor, nurse, author) and Dewayne Charleston (stage 4 prostate cancer survivor).

• Topic: Raising awareness and eliminating disparities in Black men’s health, especially prostate cancer.

2. Holly Cotton’s Story

• Breast cancer survivor and nurse with a master’s degree.
• Author of Strong More Than Muscles.
• Uses her survivorship to inspire others and promote health awareness.
• Advocates for being a “life survivor,” not just a cancer survivor.

3. Rushion McDonald’s Personal Experience

• Thyroid cancer survivor since 2015.
• Shares how the diagnosis changed his perspective on life and purpose.
• Uses his platform to raise awareness and encourage proactive health decisions.

4. Dwayne’s Journey

• Diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer at age 46.
• All 16 biopsy samples came back positive.
• Told by MD Anderson urologist Dr. Lewis Sisler that only prayer could help.
• Fought cancer for 14 years and founded a prostate cancer awareness foundation.

5. Foundation Mission

• Educates Black men on prostate cancer, clinical trials, and health disparities.
• Addresses emotional, sexual, financial, and relational impacts of cancer.
• Aims to break silence and stigma around men’s health issues.

6. Breast Cancer Awareness vs. Prostate Cancer Awareness

• Holly explains the success of “Go Pink” campaigns for breast cancer.
• Dewayne and Holly aim to replicate that success with “Go Blue” for prostate cancer.
• Goal: Encourage men to prioritize their own health and get tested.

7. Community Impact

• Importance of storytelling and visibility at events like HBCU games.
• Emphasis on legacy, education, and proactive health care.
• Holly and Dewayne’s collaboration bridges gender and cancer awareness gaps.

8. Closing

• Rushon thanks guests for their advocacy and friendship.
• Encourages listeners to lead with their gifts and keep winning.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Cancer is not a death sentence—early detection and support can save lives.
• Black men face the highest disparity in prostate cancer diagnoses and deaths.
• Storytelling and visibility are powerful tools for health education.
• Foundations and community events can drive awareness and action.
• Men must prioritize their own health, not just encourage women to get checked.
• Faith, support, and education are critical in the cancer journey.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

“I am a life survivor, not just a cancer survivor.” — Holly Cotton

“God is still in the healing business.” — Dr. Lewis Sisler (quoted by Dewayne)

“Don’t ever wait to that moment to make changes in your life.” — Rushion McDonald

“Tuskegee was not a clinical trial—it was a criminal conspiracy.” — Dewayne

“We want those men to also be worried about their own health and have resources.” — Holly Cotton

“Of all the disparities in cancer, the greatest is in prostate cancer among Black men.” — Dewayne

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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