August was a hectic month, but it was so productive at SequenceMeNow HQ! We accomplished a lot, and we now have a complete board of directors. Plus, we've assigned key committee leads who are experts in their fields.
Exciting news—I've been chosen as the "Brand Crusader"! I get to carry on my father's legacy as a trailblazer in genomic-guided precision medicine. I'm excited to dive into marketing and learn how to build a brand that connects with the right audience. I see this as a gift from my father, and I'm determined to make the most of it!
September is here, which means it's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Before I started writing this blog, I did some research on prostate cancer. It's shocking to learn that many cancers, including prostate cancer, don't show obvious symptoms in the early stages. In my father's case, his first sign was on a fishing trip in Costa Rica with his dad. He kept running to the bathroom throughout the day. Even after he got back to Portland, the symptoms didn't go away. A friend of his finally convinced him to get checked out, and that's when he found out he had stage 3 prostate cancer.
One piece of advice my father always gave was to listen to your body. He always encouraged people to visit the doctor, even if it was for a minor concern. My father was super fit and active—and yet, out of nowhere, he was diagnosed with this disease at the age of 44. It just goes to show that no one is invincible. So, whether you're a dad, son, friend, or spouse, please talk with your doctor about getting screened—even if you feel perfectly fine. Take this message from someone who lost her dad way too soon. Do it for the people you love. — Devona