A man’s journey with prostate cancer

Late last year, while on a crosscountry roundtrip for work, Ronnie Cobarrubias was rushed to a hospital in New Mexico, where he learned he had kidney stones.

While being treated, due to Ronnie being in his early fifties, the attending physician inquired if Ronnie had ever had his prostate checked. Ronnie hadn’t, so he agreed to it.

“Kidney stones saved my life,” said Ronnie. “If it were not for them, I probably wouldn’t have found out that I had prostate cancer until years down the road and then it might have been too late.”

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cancer in American men. About one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

Ronnie returned home to Rancho Cucamonga and started treatment at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC). He had radiation treatment five days a week for nine weeks. He finished radiation in August and is currently recuperating.

“I am typically a happy person, but midway through radiation, I was completely worn down,” said Ronnie. “My team of PVHMC doctors and nurses helped me stay positive – reminding me that ‘I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me.’ I am so thankful to have had such supportive people around me throughout my treatment.”

Ronnie made his modeling debut Oct. 8 at PVHMC Foundation’s 13th annual Celebrating with Style fashion show. Proceeds will benefit PVHMC’s Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center endowment fund, which provides wigs, support groups and other services to any member of the community who needs it, whether they are PVHMC patients or not, at no cost.

“If I need to wear a speedo down the runway, I’d do it,” said Ronnie. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to raise awareness for prostate cancer. This is the new cause of my life.”

Be proactive about your health and get checked. Speak to your doctor about a prostate screening today.

– Submitted by Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center