Robert Clanton
Other than nearly dying from a ruptured appendix at the age of five, I have enjoyed really good health. I lift weights, walk and hike, and occasionally golf. Then 2025 hit.
In the spring of 2025, I began experiencing random sharp pains in my head. Several tests revealed a cancerous tumor in my parotid gland. That April, I underwent surgery to remove it. The doctor was able to get it all with minimal nerve damage and my first extensive surgery in 60+ years was relatively “easy” in terms of recovery.
A few months later, while trying to dig up roots in the yard, I ended up on the wrong side of a shovel and broke my arm. This recovery was not as easy and I ended up needing a titanium plate and screws in my arm that took many months to heal.
After recovering from these two experiences I was ready for a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, my yearly physical showed otherwise. My PSA number had risen significantly and thus began my journey with prostate cancer that was filled with overwhelming information, lots of care options and long delays to actually receive treatment.
Around this same time, my son-in-law Greg Dover was training for his first C3 Ride. Greg and my daughter Suzy came home from the trip with so much passion and energy for the organization and the people who support it. While on the trip, Greg happened to meet Jim Kaltenbach. This meeting changed the course of my treatment as Jim very generously connected me with the right doctors at the Prisma Cancer Institute. I had surgery in December 2025 to remove a rather aggressive cancerous tumor that had attached to the prostate wall. I continue to work with the Institute to monitor my PSA numbers.
I don’t like to say I’m a cancer survivor or even that I battled cancer. My experiences feel minor in comparison to some of the hardships I know others have faced and I am in awe of their strength and courage. I am so thankful for this organization that played such a vital role in my restored health. As I move forward, I will continue to support C3 as you all have supported me.
Robert was nominated by Greg Dover.
