BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
"You've got breast cancer" are dreaded words for any woman to hear. The diagnosis is perhaps even more incomprehensible if you're a man.
"It was an awful shock," said Lt. Col. Ralph Baker, Chief of Optometry for the 940th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, a reserve unit at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "My mind raced with so many questions, and I didn't know where to turn for the answers."
Baker, a private-practice optometrist who has served more than 15 years in the Air Force, learned he had the disease in 2010, more than a decade after having a benign tumor removed from his chest.
Initially, his doctor dismissed Baker's concerns about changes in appearance of the old scar. Eventually, though, his concerns were confirmed by a mammogram and an ultrasound. A mastectomy and months of chemotherapy followed.
Breast cancer is relatively uncommon in men. Statistically, only five percent of all breast cancer cases are male, according to Baker.
"It's a growing concern, though," said Baker. "My goal in sharing my story is to increase awareness of early detection and treatment options. I want anyone diagnosed with this terrible disease to know where to turn for support."
Eventually, Baker found the support he needed through a Sacramento organization, the Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation. The foundation provides guidance through treatment options, help with medical expenses, resource referrals, breast health education classes and recovery programs, such as no-cost survivor art classes.
"The foundation focuses on making people aware of cancer prevention through nutrition and exercise. They also advocate for early detection by encouraging self-examination and regular doctor visits. And they'll help you locate physicians if you're diagnosed with the disease," Baker said. "I wish I'd had someone to talk with me about treatment options at the time of my diagnosis."
Completely cancer-free today, Baker is committed to the foundation that was there for him through his recovery process. The Albie Aware Foundation has named him a candidate for 2013 Survivor of the Year.
"When you've had cancer, there's a common bond with others who have been down that road. It's a tough road," Baker said. "I really want to encourage others, and I can do that by raising funds to support the programs that the Albie Aware Foundation offers."
Honoring that commitment, Baker has raised nearly $3,000 for the foundation, mostly through solicitation of donations from local businesses. His goal is $10,000.
To help meet his goal, Baker is hosting a 5-kilometer community fun run. Run4Ralph will take place Saturday, April 20, in Maidu Park, in Roseville, Calif. Registration is online at www.run4ralph.com www.run4ralph.org . Run participants can also register onsite the day of the event. Cost for advance registration through the website is $25 for adults; onsite registration is $30. Kids twelve and under can participate for free.
"Local businesses have donated all kinds of drinks and snacks for the run participants, and several companies have generously sponsored the event. Participants will receive a Run4Ralph t-shirt commemorating this first annual run. Additional shirts will be available for purchase," Baker said.
"We invite everyone to join us. Walkers are welcome, too. The event is going to be a fun family event, a chance to get out and enjoy some fresh air while making a difference by supporting a great cause. All of the donations generated will be used by the Albie Aware Foundation here in our local community to help those in need."
Baker said facing cancer has taught him to never take a single day for granted.
"Surviving cancer is a life-altering experience, that's for sure. I want to do whatever I can to help others defeat this disease."