Strength and Second Chances: Edward Woodson’s Story of Healing and Helping Others

My name is Edward Woodson, and I’m from New Tazewell, Tennessee. My wife Susan and I built our retirement home near Norris Lake, a place we fell in love with for its peace and quiet. We’ve been married for over 52 years, and she is truly the center of my life. We travel together, work around the house together, and face everything together — including cancer.

I’m an Air Force veteran, and structure, preparation, and follow-through have always mattered to me. Because of that, I started paying attention to prostate cancer long before I was diagnosed. I knew the statistics, especially for Black men, and I promised myself that if the day ever came, I would already know my options.

Facing a Diagnosis With Clarity and Courage

When my PSA started rising, my doctor and I monitored it closely. After biopsies confirmed prostate cancer, I was told it was slow growing. At first, I made a selfish decision to wait it out. But my wife reminded me of something important — she wanted more time with me. I wanted that too.

Years earlier, a close friend of ours had traveled out of state for proton therapy and had done remarkably well, with minimal side effects. I never forgot that. So, when I finally needed treatment, my decision was already made. Proton therapy was the right choice for me.

From the moment we walked into the Proton Center, my wife and I felt supported. She came with me almost every day. Having her there meant everything. Not just for me, but for other patients too. Support has a way of spreading.

Finding Purpose in Helping Others

One of the most meaningful parts of my journey wasn’t just my own treatment — it was meeting a young boy named Wally, who was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. We met early on, and I could hear his fear before I ever saw him. As a veteran, I carry a challenge coin with me, and one day I gave it to him to make him smile. From there, we built a bond — dance videos, laughter, even shaving our heads together. We called ourselves the bald amigos.

Knowing Wally changed my perspective. At 82 years old, I’ve lived a full life. Seeing a child face cancer reminded me how precious time really is. My goal became simple: make his days easier, lighter, and full of joy. When he came to my bell-ringing ceremony, it meant more to me than I can put into words.

A Celebration of Strength and Hope

When I rang the bell, I rang it six times — not just three.

The first extra ring was for Wally, wishing him a long life. The second was for past, present, and future patients, hoping their treatments bring healing. The third was for the staff, whose compassion and kindness never wavered.

The people at the Proton Center don’t just treat cancer — they treat people. From the front desk to the treatment room, you’re greeted with smiles, conversation, and genuine care. You’re never made to feel like just another patient.

Today, I call myself a prostate cancer survivor, and I share my story for one reason: men need to talk about this. Too many are scared or silent. If my experience can help even one person feel less alone or more confident in their decisions, then it’s worth telling.

If there’s a legacy I hope to leave behind, it’s this: That I tried to help people. That I tried to make them smile. And that I did my best to make each day a little better for someone else.

My name is Edward Woodson.

I am a prostate cancer survivor.

And this is my story.