Peer Support

At the Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer, we understand that navigating your prostate cancer journey can be difficult. Many questions and fears can feel so personal and isolating. This is why we offer peer mentoring and support for our patients. Even with our highly-skilled team, we know that only a former patient can truly offer insights on the patient experience. In these unique settings, you can share your story, talk about the stress of a cancer diagnosis, and ask any question, no matter how personal.

Peer Mentorship

A Peer Mentor is a prostate cancer survivor who provides support to patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Peer Mentors are trained through the Michigan Medicine Office of Patient Experience. They share their own experiences, offer practical advice on managing daily life during and after treatment, help patients connect with relevant resources, and understand the toll prostate cancer can take on families.

Seek out a peer mentor if you:

Have recently been diagnosed and want to know what to expect on your prostate cancer journey
Are seeking an uplifting coach to help you adjust
Need patient information that is easy to understand
Need help dealing with depression and anger, which are very natural emotions for cancer patients
Want to talk to someone that has lived through a cancer diagnosis

Experience peer mentorship from prostate cancer survivors, offered by phone or in-person.

To find out more about peer mentoring, email: ProstatePeerMentors@med.umich.edu

Meet a few of our Peer Mentors

A man in a plaid shirt stands by a riverside railing, surrounded by lush green trees. He smiles warmly, creating a relaxed and natural atmosphere.

Erin

Treatment types: Active Surveillance, Radiation Therapy, Hormone Therapy

Role: Senior Project Manager for a Construction Company

Passion: I love my work and being outdoors no matter what the weather is doing.

“Everyone at U-M during and following treatment were so helpful. I immediately knew I made the right decision. “

Man in gray shirt and blue jeans stands next to industrial machinery in a workshop. He smiles, suggesting pride in his work. Equipment and tools are visible.

Jason

Treatment type: Surgery

Role: Construction Supervisor for DTE Energy

Passion: Cooking and giving back to those in need.

“Don’t give up, it’s easier to say than actually execute. Lean on your FAITH and FAMILY, and FIGHT.”

A man with a beard and glasses smiles warmly

Rick

Treatment types: Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Hormone Therapy

Role: CEO of ProMedica Federal Credit Union

Passion: I have been blessed to survive 3 different types of cancer. I feel a great need to give back and help others.

“Have an advocate and aplan. If you have a plan, it helps you focused on the good things and not the bad.”

Tom

Treatment type: Surgery

Role: Retired from General Motors 35 years of service. Graduate University of Michigan

Passion: My wife and I of 47 years enjoy our grandchildren, travelling, and Northern Michigan.

“Build your support team and take good care of yourself.”

Additional Resources

The Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer endorses external support resources such as:

Prostate Cancer Resources

Active Surveillance Resources

Active Surveillance Patients International: https://aspatients.org
AnCan Active Surveillance support: https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer

Shared Experiences

Whether one-on-one or in a peer support group, you can talk to others who have the same experiences as you. This can help you see that you’re not alone. Other men and their loved ones are facing the same challenges, and they are managing. You can, too.

Let our peer support groups become a backbone in your prostate cancer journey. Remember, there’s strength in numbers, and together we stand stronger. We’re here to listen, share, and support you at every step in your journey. You should never have to feel alone in your prostate cancer journey.