Tecumseh Peete’s brutally honest mission to spike prostate cancer

Tecumseh Peete of Georgia, a national-class M40 sprinter and M35 relay WR man, shares the sad news that he’ll have to skip major 2011 meets. His reason is sadder. He writes: “Some of you may not have known; in January 2011, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 40. I have been video documenting my Prostate Cancer Journey in an attempt to raise the awareness that every man; especially black men, should have their prostate check yearly (i.e. both test PSA and digital exam).  More importantly, the earlier you know if you have prostate cancer, the survival rate increases.” The trailer posted on YouTube is laser-focused on fellow black athletes as well as himself. He reveals that “ego” and other reasons keep his peers from getting tested for prostate cancer. We wish him well in his recovery and endorse his mission. Get checked.

Here’s a video Tecumseh posted in advance of 2007 Riccione worlds:

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June 8, 2011

15 Responses

  1. peter taylor - June 8, 2011

    Tecumseh is a great guy and very courageous. I talked to him in Albuquerque about his problem. I hope we can see him back in competition in 2012 at our Bloomington (indoor) and Lisle (outdoor) championships.

    All the best, Tecumseh.

  2. Lesley Richardson - June 8, 2011

    Yes a great guy and will miss him in Sacramento. Hope he is back on the track soon.
    All the best Tecumseh.

  3. marie kay - June 8, 2011

    Tecumseh you will be missed in Sacramento.. i will say my prayers you have a speedy FULL recovery and look forward to seeing your huge smiley face back on the track. Much love Marie xo

  4. Leonard Sperandeo - June 8, 2011

    I will also be out due to Cancer treatments. I finish my treatments mid July but hope to be able to watch some of the events since I do live in Sacramento. My prayers are with others who are going through treatments.

    Leonard Sperandeo

  5. Doug Smith The Junior - June 8, 2011

    My twin brother had a prostatectomy last year and he’s fine now. Forget any kind of cultural bias against the exam – you’re an athlete, you know how the body works more than most….GET CHECKED !!

  6. Tim McCrossen - June 8, 2011

    Tecumseh:
    Be Well my friend! Stay positive, fight this and I know you will beat this!
    Tim

  7. James Chinn - June 8, 2011

    Tecumseh,
    Wishing you the best, get well.
    Looking forward to seeing you back on the track.

  8. Kettrell Berry - June 8, 2011

    Tecumseh, You are in my Prayers. See you at the track soon.

  9. lez - June 8, 2011

    Stay strong,keep peace around you.bro

  10. Byrke Beller - June 8, 2011

    Hope you have a speedy recovery TP.
    As for you others, I argue that getting your prostate checked annually is a whole lot easier than getting treated for prostate cancer!

  11. david ashford - June 8, 2011

    Tecumseh,first i would like to give you a great deal of respect,for sharing something so personal to the masters track family,and to know that you will have victory,in the greatest race of your life,with the courage you have shown us all ,by making your fellow man aware that is better than any GOLD MEDAL ANYONE CAN WIN,IM WITH EACH STEP OF THE WAY AS WELL AS ALL OF US GOD SPEED ,MANY PRAYERS ,DAVE ASHFORD.

  12. Cornell - June 8, 2011

    Stay strong and know that we all have you in our prayers.

  13. Matthew - June 8, 2011

    More prayers for full recovery from cancer.

    At 39, my urologist refused to perform a digital exam on me because I was under 40. Even though I had symptoms of prostate issues!

    Fortunately, I got his assistant to help me.

  14. David Jones - June 11, 2011

    My prayers are with you and your family. I know you will get through this and provide a testimony for the benefit of all.

  15. Lovell Butler - June 26, 2011

    I know you will be alright. Hang in there god bless

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