With help from actress Kristen Bell, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has opened its 4th annual TRUE Love contest for entries that pay tribute to family members and caregivers of men living with prostate cancer.
The organization is seeking caregiving narratives that show love, care, and honor for prostate cancer patients to raise awareness about a disease that affects one in eight men. The contest deadline is March 7, and winners will be notified a week later.
“The comfort and care that dedicated caregivers provide is inspiring and truly heroic, especially this past year throughout the pandemic,” the PCF stated in a press release. “TRUE recognizes the committed compassion caregivers exemplify, and pays tribute to the unsung heroes who are often the lifeline of prostate cancer patients, whether they are spouses, partners, doctors, siblings, children, or friends.”
The award-winning actress Bell will choose the top two most heartfelt stories and curate gift packages with donated spa items from PCF partner and online lifestyle shopping site, Verishop. Winners will also be featured on the organization’s website and social media channels.
Bell is known for roles in the television shows “The Good Place” and “Veronica Mars,” and the films “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.” Her mother is a nurse and her father-in-law died from prostate cancer in 2018, so Bell understands and appreciates the role and contribution of caregivers.
“I am honored to be part of the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s TRUE Love contest for the fourth consecutive year,” said Bell, who is a PCF ambassador. “Each year, these stories inspire us all by spotlighting the beautiful bond shared between prostate cancer patients and their caregivers. It fills my heart to show caregivers how much they are appreciated and loved for their support and dedication.”
Visit this site to upload a photo and narrative describing a personal caregiving situation. Entrants must live in the contiguous U.S. and be older than 18. Go here for more eligibility requirements and contest information.
Last year’s winners were Angie Wilfong of San Antonio, Texas, and Lucy Hayes of Gold Bar, Washington. More caregiver stories may be read here.
Prostate cancer is a particular risk for Black men, who are 80% more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men, and more than twice as likely to die from the disease. The projection is that this year, a new diagnosis for males overall will occur every two minutes.
“Fortunately, many patients have someone dedicated to supporting them through the battle, and that support can make all the difference in the world to someone with a cancer diagnosis,” the PCF stated. “From finding the right precision treatment, to recovery or palliative care, compassionate care is always possible and an essential factor in all aspects of care, especially while fighting prostate cancer.”