UC Davis Health patient throws pitch for prostate cancer
By Stephanie Winn
Cancer survivor George Evans invited to raise awareness about the disease at A’s game
(SACRAMENTO)
George Evans had the opportunity of a lifetime as he stepped up to the mound to throw the first pitch at the Athletics game against the Houston Astros June 16 in West Sacramento. At that moment, he was also hitting a home run for prostate cancer awareness.
Evans, a UC Davis Health patient, has been a long-time A’s fan after moving to Northern California from Los Angeles, where he met his wife Yvonne. The retired grandfather of three said he and his wife were thrilled to be invited onto the field.
George Evans throws first pitch at A’s game against the Astros to help raise awareness about prostate cancer.
“I couldn’t believe I’d get the opportunity to throw the first pitch at an A’s game while bringing awareness to prostate cancer,” said Evans, who played baseball in high school. “I think it is especially important to share that African American men suffer significantly higher rates of the disease.”
Indeed, Black men are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and with more aggressive, advanced-stage prostate cancer. They are also twice as likely to die from prostate cancer.
That cancer burden is what encouraged Evans to join a support group specifically for African American men.
Evans is one of the lucky ones
“Cancer changed my life,” said Evans. “I met so many supportive people and went from a person with cancer to a person who is cancer-free.”
Minutes before the ballgame, Evans, in a green jersey with “Athletics” emblazoned on the front, made his way to the edge of the dirt mound closest to home plate. The right-hander tossed the first pitch toward the plate, into the glove of third base coach Eric Martins.
Earlier, Evans gave media interviews and appeared on A’s Cast Live, the team’s pre-game podcast.
Evans fought and beat the cancer with the help of a series of radiation treatments. He said he’s feeling great now and Dall’Era has given him an “A+” for being the perfect patient.
When asked to line up a prostate cancer survivor to serve as a spokesperson at the A’s game, Dall’Era said it was an easy choice.
“I knew George would be the perfect representative for prostate cancer patients and survivors. He has a zest for life and a passion for bringing awareness to the disease,” said Dall’Era, who added that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Urologic Surgery Chief Marc Dall’Era stands next to his patient George Evans and A’s third base coach Eric Martins.
Dall’Era also was on the field for the first pitch, cheering for Evans and the A’s.
Building awareness and support
“We were honored to welcome George to the field for this special moment. His courage and advocacy are truly inspiring,” said Stephanie Gaywood, senior director of community for the A’s. “As part of our commitment to the Sacramento region, we’re proud to partner with UC Davis Health to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection, particularly in communities that are most impacted.”
Evans encourages men diagnosed with the disease to seek a prostate cancer support group, which was helpful for him. The cancer center’s website offers a list of support groups in the local area.
Early detection is key to successfully treating prostate cancer. Men should talk to their doctor about when to be screened with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing that checks blood for unusually high levels of a certain protein made by the prostate.
For more information or to make an appointment at UC Davis Health, call 916-734-5959 or 800-770-9261.
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center serving the Central Valley and inland Northern California, a region of more than 6 million people. Its specialists provide compassionate, comprehensive care for more than 100,000 adults and children every year and access to more than 200 active clinical trials at any given time. Its innovative research program engages more than 240 scientists at UC Davis who work collaboratively to advance discovery of new tools to diagnose and treat cancer. Patients have access to leading-edge care, including immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. Its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement addresses disparities in cancer outcomes across diverse populations, and the cancer center provides comprehensive education and workforce development programs for the next generation of clinicians and scientists. For more information, visit cancer.ucdavis.edu.
