Bob Damron has been fighting fires for the last 16 years but his most intense battle was his fight against prostate cancer. A disease one in six men will face.
"Battling cancer is a knife fight in a phone booth. That's what it is," said Damron.
In April, the retired Texas Firefighter set off on a mission, travelling 30,000 miles, through 49 states, and stopping at more than 220 fire stations. Tuesday night, he talked with his fellow firefighters in Syracuse about the facts of prostate cancer and urged them to stay on top of their health.
Damron's 40 minute presentation is a straight forward, man to man talk with no sugar coating. "I know my audience, I know how to talk to these guys, and if i throw it up there enough, it sticks," he said.
Thanks to early detection Damron's cancer was contained to his prostate. He had it removed, and has been cancer free for 5 years. He encourages the men to get tested early and to know their family health history.
If the men in your family have had prostate cancer, your chances of developing the disease are significantly higher.
"We have much more information now than we had before, whether we use that to get physicals on a regular basis, or just knowledge. Knowledge is power," said Syracuse Fire Lt. Jeff Kite.
Damron has about 80 more stops on his trip, next he'll be in Oneida County where he will talk to firefighters in Rome. He will then finish travelling the East Coast before heading back home to Texas.
For more information on prostate cancer click here.
