I joined my first Relay For Life in 1998, when I worked in the communications department for St. Mary’s Health System in Knoxville, Tennessee, which had a team and was a sponsor for the event.  Little did I know that 14 years later I would walk my first Survivor Lap after I heard the words, “You have cancer,” in March 2012. The date was March 27 . I had celebrated my 43rd birthday just five days earlier.

After my diagnosis of stage IIIB rectal cancer, I underwent 11 months of treatment: Xyloda combined with radiation, surgery to remove the tumor that resulted in a permanent colostomy, and six months of adjuvant infused chemotherapy to be sure there was no cancer in anywhere in my body.  I finished treatment in February 2013 and was declared No Evidence of Disease three months later.  I’ve been NED ever since.

I’m currently a member of the ACS CAN National Ambassador Team, a group of seasoned cancer advocates who work on special projects.  In my role as a cancer advocate, I get to share my cancer experience with lawmakers to impact legislation focused on important issues like access to healthcare, health equity, cancer research and more.

Lately, I have been particularly concerned about the importance of peer-to-peer support and the mental health of men facing cancer.  Men are expected to be stoic and buck up to face their challenges without complaining, which is damaging for men’s mental health.  We have so much work to do.

Professionally, I am a senior communications specialist for Oak Ridge Associated Universities, where I host two company podcasts.  I am a speaker, writer, frequent media guest, and blogger.  My name is Michael Holtz.  I live in Knoxville with the lovely Sarah and our rescue dog, a golden basset named Marley.