Honoring His Father and Himself in Supporting Cancer Research
Reverend Darryl K. Lincoln began donating to the V Foundation to honor his father, who beat prostate cancer. The donation became even more personal when he himself was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
A Moving Inspiration for Cancer Research
Rev. Lincoln recalls the iconic moment when legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano took the stage at the 1993 ESPY Awards to accept the Arthur Ashe Courage Award during his own cancer battle. “I think as most people who have seen Jim Valvano’s talk prior to him passing away, it’s a very moving speech,” Rev. Lincoln said. “The fact that he had the courage to stand up and, with all the strength that he had, advocate for cancer research was compelling.”
The Impact of Cancer Research on Family
Rev. Lincoln’s family has been personally impacted by cancer, beginning with his grandfather who passed away from throat cancer in 1991. Later, his father, Dr. Eugene Lincoln, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Through advancements in prostate cancer research, Dr. Lincoln underwent a cutting-edge treatment involving radioactive seed implantation. This procedure, developed through years of cancer research, allowed him to become a cancer survivor. He passed away in 2019 from an unrelated illness.
As a Black man with a family history of cancer, Rev. Lincoln knew his risk for developing prostate cancer was higher. Prostate cancer mortality among Black men is nearly double that of men in other groups. Understanding the importance of early detection, he regularly checked his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Early Detection and Advancements in Prostate Cancer Treatment
In February, during his annual physical, Rev. Lincoln’s PSA levels spiked to 9.08 from his usual level under 4.0. After further tests, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer on March 25. Body scans revealed that the cancer was contained to the prostate, offering more treatment options due to early detection.
Traditionally, prostate cancer treatment involves prostate removal. However, because of his previous medical history and his use of blood thinners, surgery wasn’t an ideal option. Instead, Rev. Lincoln pursued hormone therapy followed by radiation treatments. These treatments are the result of years of prostate cancer research that continues to improve the effectiveness and safety of care.
The Role of Drug Development in Prostate Cancer Research
New advancements in medication have also played a crucial role in Rev. Lincoln’s cancer journey. He was prescribed two hormone therapy drugs that were relatively new to the market. These drugs, developed through prostate cancer research, were designed to work faster to control testosterone levels, highlighting the vital importance of ongoing cancer research in developing effective treatments.
“Drug research has been very helpful, and I’m sure it has a lot to do with the cancer research that’s being done,” Rev. Lincoln said. “That’s one of the efficacy treatments that helps with the cancer itself.”
Supporting Cancer Research: A Personal Commitment
Rev. Lincoln began donating to the V Foundation in honor of his father’s battle with prostate cancer. His donations became even more significant when he was diagnosed with the disease. He chose the V Foundation because of its strong commitment to cancer research, knowing that 100% of direct donations go toward funding essential research.
“I think it’s a place where the money is well spent, and lives are being saved from cancer,” Rev. Lincoln said. “It’s very easy in that case to donate. I was donating even before I had cancer because I’ve had family members who had it. Cancer is more personal to me now because I have it. Thankfully, I’m able to get the treatment that I need.”
A Legacy of Giving and Advancing Cancer Research
Charitable giving has always been a cornerstone of the Lincoln family. Rev. Lincoln’s parents, both former college professors, generously donated more than $200,000 toward college scholarships and were active community volunteers. For Rev. Lincoln, the importance of giving extends to his support of prostate cancer research, ensuring that future generations benefit from continued advancements in cancer care.
The quote from Jim Valvano’s famous ESPYS speech that resonates most with Rev. Lincoln is simple yet powerful: Laugh. Think. Cry. To him, it’s a call to care for others, a reminder that charitable giving and supporting causes like prostate cancer research can have a lasting impact.
“In my mind, that whole sequence is really talking about man’s ability to care about other people,” Rev. Lincoln said. “If you can laugh every day, if you can think about someone other than yourself every day, and have your emotions moved to tears every day, it means that you are not just thinking about yourself; you’re thinking about things that can help other people.”
