Story by Cam Cyr, Photos submitted by Tony George
For Tony George, a five-year journey with prostate cancer has become a reason to help other men facing the same diagnosis.
The South Hingham resident is taking part in Movember for the first time this year, raising money for the men’s health organization after his own experience with prostate cancer inspired him to get involved. George has already raised $4,218 toward his $5,000 goal through the generosity of friends and family, leaving him just $782 away.
Movember is a global men’s health charity that funds programs and research focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health.
“Many, many men go through the prostate cancer path I have, but not many follow up with fundraising,” George said. “My own cancer has elevated my desire to help men who are also dealing with this disease.”
George’s involvement with Movember began after reading a Boston Globe article about Terrell Williams, which led him to learn more about the organization’s work and its True North prostate cancer awareness program.
“Several points made in the article hit home with me,” George said. “I dove into True North, and then Movember, and I saw the help the organizations provide to men around the world. I was inspired to jump in and help fundraise.”
For George, the effort is especially meaningful because he recognizes how fortunate he has been to receive medical care in New England.
“I am lucky here in New England, we have world-class medical care all around us,” he said. “So many men around the country, around the world are not so lucky. I feel fortunate living here in Hingham, and I want to do more to help others who are fighting this same disease.”
His commitment to the cause extends beyond fundraising. Starting Nov. 1, George plans to grow a mustache throughout the month and walk 60 miles in November. The walking challenge is a substitute for his usual favorite activity, biking, which he has temporarily put on hold while recovering from surgery.
George was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago. After initially undergoing active monitoring, he pushed for further testing with his urologist.
“I was the one to say to my urologist, ‘Let’s not continue this active monitoring, let’s do a biopsy,’” George said. “And we found the cancer in its early stage, before it became more aggressive three years later, and then caused me to have the organ removed entirely.”
The experience has shaped how George approaches men’s health awareness, particularly the importance of early detection and advocating for one’s own health.
“Be assertive with your health,” he said. “Don’t sit back and wait. Do your own research, learn all you can about the many medical concerns you have, take charge of your own health.”
George also hopes to use his fundraising effort to encourage more conversations about men’s health, including prostate and testicular cancer and mental health.
His work with Movember could also lead to a larger collaboration. George and his family own and operate Strength of My Scars (SOMS), a medical book business that helps educate patients and their families about specific surgeries and medical conditions.
The business is operated with his wife, Carol, and their daughters, Maria Baimas-George, a transplant surgeon, and Lianna. Through SOMS, the family hopes to make medical information more accessible to people navigating difficult health experiences.
George is also talking with Movember about working together on two new books through SOMS, one focused on prostate cancer and another on testicular cancer.
For George, education and awareness are essential parts of improving men’s health. He hopes his fundraising effort will encourage other Hingham residents to get involved.
“If donating or fundraising isn’t in the cards, then I encourage everyone to have conversations about men’s health, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention,” George said. “By having these important conversations, we can break down the stigma about these topics and live healthier and longer lives.”
George hopes to recruit more members of the Hingham community to join a Movember team next year, with the goal of raising even more money to support men’s health around the world.
Residents can support George’s campaign and help him reach his $5,000 goal through his Movember fundraising page. More information about the family’s medical education work is available at strengthofmyscars.com.