June is Men’s Health Month, a time when we focus on increasing awareness of preventable health problems to encourage men to take more active roles in preventing disease and detecting and treating problems early.

Thoughts have the power to affect our attitude and emotions. And, when dealing with something difficult, like a cancer diagnosis, repeating certain phrases or words can help you shape your thoughts and cope with situations outside of your control.

In 2012, Laurie Rich, PhD, arrived at Roswell Park to begin his doctoral work under the mentorship of Mukund Seshadri, PhD, DDS, Chair of Oral Oncology. He arrived at the same time as a very important piece of equipment, and as some crucial research was taking place.

Music has many benefits. It can create encouragement, motivation, determination, resilience, and the ability to cope. Most importantly, it can heal. Sometimes when there are no words or there is nothing to say, music says it all.

After going through treatment the second time, I began a successful recovery and wanted to find a way to give back and help fight the terrible disease that has affected my life and the lives of so many others.

A pilot social media program at Roswell Park aims to help adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors, by providing a safe online space to share their thoughts and know that they are not alone.