Christ Hospital featuring Silverton man's story of survival on billboards
It's a survival story that will remind people of the good in this world and how much there is to live for.
Thomas Tally said a cancer diagnosis sent his mind spiraling into a dark place.
Early last year, the 61-year-old from Silverton was getting his annual health tune-up when a call came in that you never want to answer.
"His levels took a big spike from one year to the next, which set off an alarm signal that something was going on," Dr. Justin Cox with Christ Hospital Urology said.
An MRI confirmed that something was a dangerous tumor around the prostate. Cox discovered the tumor, but it hadn't spread, so he removed the cancer with a robotic surgery and zapped the area over time with radiation treatments.
A year and a half later, Thomas is cancer-free.
"I have a second chance, and I have a story to tell, and I have to tell everybody about it," Thomas said.
Then came a twist that showed sometimes, things happen for a reason.
First, Thomas got a job at Christ Hospital in the supply area, bringing him closer to patients he can help and closer to the guy who saved his life.
"I saw him walking through, and I was a kid in a candy store. That's my doctor, that's my doctor," Thomas said.
Then, while talking with coworkers at Christ Hospital, he mentions how grateful he is for all the support he got from organizations, family, friends, even strangers and makes a promise to those people he never thought he would be able to come through on.
Now, Christ Hospital has made Thomas' dream a reality, featuring his story on at least 12 digital billboards across Greater Cincinnati.
"When you hear Thomas say things like you know you saved my life, it almost brings a tear to your eye, so it means a lot," Cox said.
In general, men are advised to get PSA blood tests at age 50. If you have family history of prostate cancer, make it 45.
Statistically, Cox said Black men get prostate cancer sooner and more severe, meaning Black men should get those regular checkups at an even younger age.