Patrick Spray

My name is Patrick. I’m 59 years old and live in Greenville, South Carolina with my wife Natalie, my best friend and partner for the past 32 years. We met on a blind date in 1989, and together we’ve built a life that includes two incredible daughters, now 29 and 27, who both live in Charleston, SC.

Natalie has known Ron Jerina since high school, and when we moved back to Greenville in 2011, we were fortunate to become neighbors and close friends with Ron and his wife Jen. I’m also grateful for the friendship and support of our neighbor John Neil—my sponsor and a fellow Warrior—who invited me to be part of the 2025 Warrior class. I’m humbled and honored to accept.

My cancer journey began unexpectedly in April 2024 during a routine annual physical. My PSA levels had risen significantly, even though they were technically still in the “normal” range. Thankfully, my primary care doctor took the results seriously and ordered a prostate MRI. The earliest available appointment was seven months away—in November. That long wait was incredibly difficult, and I struggled with whether to tell my friends and family before I had a diagnosis or treatment plan.

The MRI results in November 2024 were alarming: PIRADS scores of 4 and 5, strongly suggestive of prostate cancer. I was referred to a urologist, but again, faced delays—another six weeks before I could get in. In January 2025, my urologist ordered a biopsy for late February. More waiting. More mental anguish. When the results came back, they confirmed what I had feared: aggressive prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10. My urologist recommended a prostatectomy over other treatment options due to the aggressive nature of the cancer.

Before surgery, I underwent a PET scan in March to see if the cancer had spread. That waiting period was agonizing, but by the grace of God, the scan showed the cancer was still contained within the prostate. On April 3rd, I received a call from Prisma about a surgical cancellation, and on April 7th, I underwent a Robotic Radical Prostatectomy along with removal of 14 lymph nodes.

In May, five weeks post-op, my PSA level had dropped to 0.09%. I’m hopeful that it will continue to fall, and I’m looking ahead to July for my first post-op follow-up with my urologist.

Cancer is, unfortunately, familiar in my family. My father survived prostate cancer for 30 years. My mother battled ovarian and uterine cancer. Many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins have faced cancer as well. Because of this strong family history, Prisma offered me genetic counseling through MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center. A simple DNA test checked for markers of 70 different cancers. It was nerve-wracking, but within 10 days, I received my results—only one positive marker: prostate cancer. While this doesn’t guarantee a diagnosis, it does mean I have a higher genetic risk. I strongly encourage others to explore this kind of testing. It’s a powerful tool for early awareness and proactive health planning.

To be chosen as John’s Warrior is a deeply humbling experience. It’s a privilege to support this extraordinary community and cause. My family and I are grateful beyond words to be part of C3’s mission to conquer cancer. We thank each and every rider, organizer, volunteer, and donor. Your passion and dedication are changing lives—including mine.