February 2026 – Black History Month

PC-PEP Man of the Month: Joseph Lyndon
Introduction
““Live forward.”
For Black History Month we celebrate Joseph Lyndon, a PC-PEP graduate whose story reminds us that prostate cancer does not always arrive with warning signs — and that resilience is built through faith, vulnerability, and community.
Originally from England, Joe moved to Ontario, Canada, to begin a new chapter of life with his wife. Shortly after arriving, at her encouragement, he visited a physician — a decision that led to a prostate cancer diagnosis that came with no symptoms, no family history, and no warning signs.
Healthy, physically active, and plant-based since adolescence, Joe never imagined he would face this disease. Yet like many men — particularly Black men, who face disproportionately higher risks — his diagnosis forced him to confront realities about health equity, masculinity, and silence that he had long understood intellectually through his previous work supporting Black men’s mental health. This time, the experience was deeply personal.
Joe’s journey included becoming a grandfather soon after surgery — a powerful reminder of life continuing even in the midst of uncertainty. He openly reflects on how prostate cancer affects identity, relationships, and emotional well-being, and how prayer and faith grounded him when fear threatened to take over.
Through PC-PEP, Joe found structured tools and community support that helped him move beyond survival mode. The program’s eight pillars — pelvic floor physiotherapy, intimacy and sexuality support, nutrition, aerobic and strength training, attitudinal healing, stress management with heart-rate variability tools, social support, and scientific updates — empowered him to reclaim agency over his health.
Joe’s message is simple and powerful:
“Live forward.”
Not in denial.
Not in fear.
But with intention, knowledge, connection, and courage.
🎧 Hear Joseph’s Story
Hear Joseph’s Story
In Episode 3 of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program Podcast, Joseph Lyndon shares his deeply personal journey — from unexpected diagnosis to rediscovering strength, purpose, and perspective.
With honesty and grace, Joe speaks about:
- The shock of an asymptomatic diagnosis
- The higher risks faced by Black men
- Masculinity and vulnerability
- The emotional impact on relationships
- The grounding role of prayer and spirituality
- The importance of culturally aware support systems
Joe’s story reminds us that healing is multidimensional — physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual — and that community changes everything.
👉 Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/399kmKcTfrU
👉 Listen on podcast platforms: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/
💡 Key Messages of Inspiration
`Early conversations save lives.
Even without symptoms or family history, proactive medical visits matter — especially in communities at higher risk.
Faith and mental health are not separate.
Prayer, reflection, and emotional openness can be powerful tools in healing.
Masculinity can include vulnerability.
Strength is not silence. Sharing your story gives others permission to do the same.
Community transforms fear into action.
Through PC-PEP, Joe found connection, education, and practical strategies that empowered him to move forward with confidence.
Health equity matters.
Open dialogue about prostate cancer risk in Black communities is essential for reducing disparities and saving lives.
👕 The Story Behind the T-Shirts: Why It Matters
The PC-PEP T-shirts are more than just fabric—they are symbols of connection, awareness, and pride in being part of the PC-PEP community.
These shirts were made possible by David Ashcroft, a fellow PC-PEP mentor and author, who donated proceeds from his memoir Searching for Belonging and designed the artwork himself.
Gestures like David’s mean so much to our lab and the PC-PEP community. Each shirt sparks conversations, raises awareness about prostate cancer, and reminds men everywhere that they are not alone. These small acts help PC-PEP fulfill its mission: forming communities of empowerment that transform isolation into connection and fear into resilience.
🌍 About This Series
The PC-PEP Man of the Month series celebrates participants and mentors who embody courage, generosity, and the spirit of empowerment. By sharing their stories, we raise awareness about prostate cancer, reduce stigma, and highlight the power of community, connection, and hope.