“You have to free your mind and allow people to help you.”
In this powerful Story of Hope interview, David sits down with Bringing Hope Home’s Family Involvement Coordinator, Kim Rabago, MSW, LSW, to share his journey through Stage III prostate cancer, the emotional realities many men face during illness, and what it meant to finally allow others to support him.
After a lifetime of solving problems on his own, David opens up about the challenges of treatment, masculinity, faith, vulnerability, and why men need to know there is no shame in asking for help.
Watch David’s full story below.
Raised on a farm in North Carolina, David went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, build a career in radio and television, and later spend decades working for American Airlines before beginning a third career in security. Even in retirement, he continued working to help support his family and save for his grandson’s future.
Then, at 69 years old, David was diagnosed with Stage III prostate cancer.
His treatment plan included hormone therapy and 40 radiation treatments over eight weeks. The physical toll of treatment forced him to reduce his work hours significantly, creating financial stress at a time when medical expenses were already mounting.
Through our Light of Hope Family Program, Bringing Hope Home provided assistance with David’s mortgage, helping ease the burden so he could focus on his health and recovery.
But for David, accepting help was one of the hardest parts of the journey.
“In my 60-some years, to be honest with you, I was rather skeptical,” David shared. “I never really asked for help. I never really expected help.”
Throughout his interview, David speaks candidly about the pressures many men carry silently — the belief that they must handle everything alone, avoid vulnerability, and keep pushing forward no matter the cost.
“We as men are socialized to not express ourselves,” he said. “This journey requires you to open your mind… free your mind and allow people to help you.”
Today, David hopes his story encourages other men to prioritize their health, ask questions, seek support, and know they do not have to face cancer alone.
“This is the first time in my life really that anybody has ever helped me,” he said. “And I really appreciate it.”