Rod joined the board in spring 2017, not quite a year after his prostatectomy at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center. By the time he was in his mid-60s, Rod had been charting annual PSA readings; however, he now wishes he’d known about the significance of what such a collection of slightly increasing readings can mean. Upon his diagnosis, a relative urged him to go to PCSANM’s office, get to know people, and start becoming educated. He did.

Rod worked at Sandia National Labs for about 35 years in the public relations area. Rod continues to enjoy running events of various distances (maybe not marathons any longer), swimming (although he’s awful at it), and biking. There is also family of various generations and locations. A former college DJ and newspaper record review columnist, he’s got loads of music; he’d be happy to discuss with you.

Charles first became involved with PCSANM in January of 2011, just prior to undergoing a robotic radical prostatectomy. In the following months, it became evident that a metastasis had occurred prior to the surgery. The diagnosis had predicted low-grade cancer but the post-operative biopsy revealed a stage III cancer that was extremely aggressive. Within three months of surgery, however, he was able to resume cycling, a lifelong passion, and he continues to ride approximately 300 miles per month. He is now in the active surveillance protocol and is grateful that his PSA levels have remained so low that no further treatment has been necessary. Over the years, he has sharpened his focus within PCSANM to promote awareness in our broader society of the benefits of early diagnosis. 

David was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus type II in April of 2018 and in October was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Both conditions are presumptive of Agent Orange exposure which occurred in 1969-1970 while serving as an Infantry officer in Viet Nam. As his Gleason score was low, he opted to start with active surveillance. David is currently continuing on active surveillance.

David ran his own business for a good number of years. Corporate changes dictated a new career so he returned to school receiving his RN and Masters of Science in Nursing. He worked in Iowa, North Carolina and South Carolina before coming to Albuquerque to marry his childhood sweetheart. He worked at University of New Mexico Hospital in Nursing IT before retiring. David become associated with PCSANM by joining one of the bi-monthly meetings at Bear Canyon Senior Center. At the second meeting he attended, he asked then-Chairman of the Board Steve Denning: “What could I help with?” You would think you would learn to never volunteer after being in the military.

David considers it a privilege to work with men, their wives, partners and families to provide support. He enjoys providing detailed information on the many types of treatments available. He supports the association’s goal of enabling men and their families to work with their providers, obtaining the best treatment and care for their particular type of cancer.

Kat joined the board in June 2020. She was introduced to the PCSANM in 2018 at a Family Retreat of Cancer Services of New Mexico. That November she served as a panelist for the organization’s annual Fall Conference. In 2015, Kat created the Cancer Awareness Resources & Education Guide (C.A.R.E. Guide), with the Santa Fe New Mexican, in honor of her father, Ted Lopez, who was diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer in June of 2013. She wrote, managed, and oversaw all production of the magazine from 2014-2018.

Lopez is from Santa Fe, NM, and attended New Mexico State University where she received her B.A. in Journalism/Mass Communications with minors in Management, Marketing, and Hospitality. She later received her M.S. in Journalism/Mass Communications from Kansas State University. Kat is currently based out of Santa Fe and travels as a National Communications & Marketing Trainer while serving as the Digital Marketing Manager for a local museum. Her interest in cancer awareness began in college as a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and she has served on American Cancer Society’s local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer committee for the past five years.

Kat’s experience as her father’s caregiver amplified her desire to support families affected by cancer and she hopes to help those caring for their loved ones feel understood. “Choosing to navigate cancer with my dad was the best decision of my life,” said Lopez.  Her passion and efforts for the cause now are all dedicated to his memory.

After 17 years of monitoring his PSA, Phil had a biopsy with prostate cancer cells. Finding resources and the “buddy list” at PCSANM, he chose external beam radiation in 2017. Phil is volunteering on the Board as a way to pay back the valuable information and support the association provided to him.

Phil is a semi-retired Communications Technician from Public Service Co. of New Mexico and now maintains Automated Weather Observations Systems at small New Mexico airports.