From Farewell Party to Marathon Finish Line: A Cancer Survivor's Inspiring Journey
In a remarkable story of resilience and humour, a father who faced testicular cancer with a unique "farewell to righty" party is now preparing to conquer the London Marathon. Patrick Frank, a 40-year-old video agency founder originally from Washington, DC, but now living in Fulham, west London, is using his experience to urge men across the UK to prioritise their health and seek medical advice without delay.
A Diagnosis Met with Unconventional Positivity
Patrick's journey began in early 2021 when he noticed his right testicle felt unusually hard. After a check-up and tests, he was diagnosed with a tumour requiring surgical removal. Rather than succumbing to fear, Patrick decided to approach the situation with light-hearted courage. The night before his operation that same year, he hosted a virtual "farewell to righty" Zoom party for about 20 friends and family members.
"I had a farewell to righty party because it was the right testicle they removed, and we had a big 'R' balloon," Patrick explained. "I have a friend who is a comic book artist and he made a character of my testicle and showed him through the ages. I placed those testicle cartoons on photos of me growing up and made a little slideshow to the song 'I Will Remember You' by Sarah McLaughlin."
Successful Surgery and a New Mission
Following the surgery, doctors confirmed the tumour was cancerous but had not spread, meaning the operation had successfully eradicated the disease. This positive outcome, classified as stage one testicular cancer, ignited Patrick's passion for raising awareness. He emphasised that losing a testicle was "not a big deal" for him and did not leave him feeling emasculated, hoping his openness would encourage other men to be proactive about their health.
"If you think anything feels off, don’t wait too long and go tell someone," Patrick advised. "I’m the best-case scenario, but if I didn’t go as early as I did, it could have spread." He also praised the NHS, noting, "I think people need to also realise how lucky they are to have the NHS – it isn’t a financial decision to get medical help here."
Creative Awareness Efforts and Marathon Training
Patrick's commitment to advocacy has taken creative forms. In one notable effort, he organised a "todger trot" – a 27km run across London meticulously mapped on Strava to form the shape of a penis and testicles. Accompanied by friends, he distributed stickers for The Robin Cancer Trust and even wore a cardboard scrotum around his neck during the event.
Now, Patrick is channelling his energy into the London Marathon, which he will run on April 26 for The Robin Cancer Trust, a UK charity focused on testicular, ovarian, and germ cell cancers. This will be his sixth marathon, and he is training rigorously, weightlifting twice a week and running approximately 30 miles weekly. "I think the marathon will be like a reward and my victory lap," he shared, aiming to complete it in under three hours and 30 minutes. "I think I might get pretty emotional when I cross the finish line."
Family Support and Future Fundraising
Patrick lives with his wife, Alexandra, 40, and their two children, Ryan, eight, and Caleb, 11. He credits his family's support as crucial to his recovery and ongoing efforts. Reflecting on his children's understanding, he said, "They were little but they understood it enough. We were really upfront about it with my eldest."
Beyond the marathon, Patrick is hosting a comedy fundraiser titled "Bollocks to Cancer" at Rich Mix in Shoreditch, London, on May 20, further supporting The Robin Cancer Trust. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, resilience, and using personal experiences to inspire positive change in others.
As Patrick continues his advocacy, he leaves a clear message: "Be responsible – people depend on you and the best thing you can do for your friends and family and people who love you is to take care of yourself, and that involves going to the doctor when something feels a little off."
