As the Patient Editor for AUANews, I’d like to introduce myself and explain why I am so passionate about this role.

On my birthday in 2015, I heard these dreaded words from my doctor, “You have cancer.” The diagnosis sent me into a tailspin. Having lost my best friend to prostate cancer the year before, I was ready to quit, to not even try to fight the disease. Why is this important? I am not a quitter, yet this bad news overwhelmed me. What changed? Loved ones and friends gave me ways and reasons to live. One was to be around to walk my daughter down the aisle.

Three life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, have given me a wonderful perspective on life and a purpose. As both a patient and an advocate, I am passionate about utilizing my lived experiences to fuel positive changes and impact the health of our world. I have dedicated my life to helping and inspiring others facing life-threatening and life-altering obstacles. I have a passion for health care and improving the collective quality of life.

The AUA has amplified patient representation through several initiatives, such as the addition of the Patient Editor to the Editorial Board at AUANews. Also illustrating the strategic commitment by this forward-thinking organization is the Patient Perspectives Program at the AUA Annual Meeting. I was grateful to be one of 14 presenters at the 2023 Patient Perspectives Program and witnessed the power of the patient voice. I was buoyed by what appears to be a relatively new and universal shift to listen to and value the patient voice. I firmly believe that through talking about the impact from diagnosis through treatment for the many urological conditions that exist, we will together elevate awareness of the patient experience and be able to share and even develop new resources that will help lessen unmet needs.

I’m very honored to be part of the Editorial Board! Medical care today is all about shared decision-making and full transparency. My goal as Patient Editor is to help continue to grow the content and impact of AUANews. “During the course of medical training, the focus often shifts away from helping patients to treating the disease. We are so thrilled at AUANews to have Tom as our inaugural Patient Editor to amplify our patients’ voices and remind us of our why,” says Stacy T. Tanaka, MD, MS, FACS, Editor, AUANews.

As a patient, survivor, and now advocate who is actively involved, I have been able to leverage my background and personal experiences. I’ve learned that the more advocates are involved, the more their advocacy can contribute to future advancements for cancer patients.

I served as the past president of the North Texas Prostate Cancer Coalition and served as a peer reviewer and mentor 7 times for the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.

I’ve authored 2 books detailing my journey, how mindset was key, and lessons learned. All book sale proceeds are being donated to philanthropic organizations that are making a positive impact on humankind.

My philanthropic efforts have been recognized by New York University as the 2019 Lauren Beam Philanthropy Award recipient and the Jan Klodner 2023 Service Above Self Award.

I am a graduate of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, followed by a decades-long career in technology and cybersecurity.

I live in Dallas, Texas, with my incredibly supportive wife, Lauren. We have 2 married children and 4 grandchildren.