A Family Matter:

Prostate Cancer from a Daughter’s Perspective

Categories: Spring 2014
article11.1 8
Jacquelyn Purze with her father, Kenneth Purze Jacquelyn Purze was in high school when her father, Kenneth Purze, was diagnosed with prostate and pancreatic cancer.

Her two younger sisters were 9 and 15 years old. Their father’s diagnosis and treatment affected the entire Purze family, and they relied on each other for emotional support. “When my family was coping with my dad’s cancer, I learned that it’s different for a 17-year-old, it’s different for a 9-year-old, and it’s different for a wife. We just needed to be there for each other and listen to each other. We were open with one another and if we needed to talk about it, we did,” Jacquelyn said.

Mr. Purze interviewed doctors throughout the Midwest and chose Dr. Catalona for his prostate cancer treatment. Dr. Catalona ran tests that revealed Mr. Purze also had pancreatic cancer. Thankfully, both cancers were discovered in time to be cured.

Today, Jacquelyn is a student at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. She recently presented a speech to her communications class that encouraged her classmates to support the URF. She reflected on her father’s cancer and spoke of the influence that the URF and Dr. Catalona had on her life. “Dr. Catalona’s team is one of the best when it comes to helping detect, treat and cure prostate cancer. Because of them, my dad is cancer-free today. Their research and advancements made it possible for my dad to be at my high school graduation – and god willing – my college graduation as well,” she said in her speech.

Jacquelyn Purze is junior at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas studying hospitality management and business. She is originally from Michiana Shores, Indiana, where her family resides.

Subscribe to Quest

"*" indicates required fields

Email

This email address is only for subscribing or unsubscribing to or from Quest. Dr. Catalona cannot respond to questions concerning your Personal Health Information (PHI) that could identify you as an individual. This is a "cyber-security measure" for your protection that will help prevent anyone from legally or illegally accessing your personal health information.

Delivery Method (How do you want to receive your Quest publication?)*
Address*