Before working at Grafik, I knew nothing about prostate cancer. Now after having the privilege of working with our client, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, I have become much more aware of the disease. Knowing what I know now, I’ve taken it upon myself to share this information with the special men in my life, particularly my dad. My dad Bert turned 70 this past Blue September and although he’s in great health for his age, he’s the type of person who isn’t a fan of doctor’s appointments. But with my weekly “Did you know this about prostate cancer?” tidbits, he has agreed to have more regular checkups. It’s a amazing what a little awareness and persistence can do. Okay, may be giving him the “Join the Fight” shirt may have helped a little.

My precious dad sporting his new "Join the Fight" shirt

During the month of September aka Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we have been talking to the special men in our lives about prostate cancer. You can see all our stories here or follow us on Twitter @grafikdotcom and the hashtag #whatitoldhim.

For Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I decided to give my Join the Fight shirt to my grandsons. Here’s a photo of Tank (left) and Gus (right) sharing their shirt. Tank wasn’t too keen on sharing. It’s never to early to have that talk!

Tank and Gus "Join the Fight!"

During the month of September, we have been talking to the special men in our lives about prostate cancer. You can see all our stories here or follow us on Twitter @grafikdotcom and the hashtag #whatitoldhim.

I gave my partner Dan my Blue All Over t-shirt and asked him to Join the Fight against prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Awareness Month campaign we’ve been working on has been a great reminder for myself, and given me the opportunity to discuss the importance of regular checkups with the folks I care most about.

My partner Dan sporting the "Join the Fight" shirt I gave him

My stepfather Tony has had issues with his prostate in recent years. He’s also been the kind of guy who doesn’t like to talk about it. In that regard he’s a pretty typical male. However, I think the fact that he’s willing to wear this shirt I gave him and have his photo taken in it, illustrates that there’s hope for all men.

The big take away for me is by talking about it and wearing t-shirts promoting prostate cancer awareness, it all begins to make this taboo subject something that isn’t such an uncomfortable subject to discuss.

Me and my stepfather Tony talk prostate cancer

I was sporting my PCF t-shirt over my dress today when I was asked, “Do you have a prostate?” I said, “No, but I love people who do!” In the spirit of love and awareness, my coworkers Eric and Brandon and I decided to “exchange” shirts with each other to focus on three points: 1) Prostate cancer strikes at all ages. 2) It doesn’t only affect men. 3) These tee shirts are awesome!

On a side note, working with the PCF campaign has helped increase my knowledge of prostate cancer and to make sure the two most important men in my life (my husband and father) are aware and are getting checked regularly. It may not be an easy conversation to have with your doctor or family, but it can save your life!

Me and my awesome coworkers Eric on the left and Brandon on the right sporting our "Join the Fight" shirts

Prostate cancer is in my family. Both my father and my uncle are fighters and survivors. But for anyone that has been exposed to this disease for an extended period of time, they know that a sense of complacency can settle in. Let’s face it—men can be really stubborn and often ignore their own well being, even after a scare. Healthy diets, which has proven to be important in disease management, are easy to break, and procrastinating about getting follow-up PSA tests are quite common. My father, unfortunately, falls into this category. So as I thought about Grafik’s grassroots initiative to get people to “Join in the Fight,” I wanted to use this opportunity to also stress to my dad the need to CONTINUE the fight. Go get checked pops!!!

My dad Hal and I "Join the Fight!"

Follow us on Twitter @grafikdotcom and the hashtag #whatitoldhim as we talk to the special men in our lives about prostate cancer.

In support of the Blue All Over campaign for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I gave my husband Bill my “Join the Fight” t-shirt. He is very aware of how important regular checkups are because he lost his father to prostate cancer several years ago. So, we (including our beloved pooch) are proud to support such a campaign.

My husband Bill and our loving pooch

Follow us on Twitter @grafikdotcom and the hashtag #whatitoldhim as we talk to the special men in our lives about prostate cancer. Join the fight!

For Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I gifted my Blue All Over t-shirt to my husband, Tom, and asked him to Join the Fight against prostate cancer. Tom lost his father to cancer and understands the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, but he is not particularly diligent about annual physicals. I told him that it’s extremely important to me that he make this a priority. It took us a long time to find each other and it’s my priority to make sure my “special guy” takes good care of himself. Tom called and scheduled an appointment—he got the message!

My husband Tom and I understand the importance of prostate cancer awareness so we encourage everyone to "Join the Fight."

Follow us on Twitter @grafikdotcom and the hashtag #whatitoldhim as we talk to the special men in our lives about prostate cancer.

For Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I gifted my Blue All Over campaign shirt to my husband David who happens to love collecting bricks. By getting his annual check up, he can beat prostate cancer and have more time in the garden with his brick collection.

My husband David (with his precious bricks) go BLUE for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Follow us on Twitter @grafikdotcom and the hashtag #whatitoldhim all month as we talk to the special men in our lives about prostate cancer. Join the fight!

I’m giving this Blue All Over t-shirt to my dad David who lives in Pittsburgh for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. We see each other almost every night via FaceTime, but the next time we visit him in mid October, I will personally hand the t-shirt to him. He really appreciates that prostate cancer awareness is being raised and has already committed to have regular check-ups in the past few years.

Me and my daughter Carey showing my dad his new "Join the Fight" t-shirt

Follow us on Twitter @grafikdotcom and the hashtag #whatitoldhim all month as we talk to the special men in our lives about prostate cancer. Join the fight!