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HAVING A BALL - THE JOSEPH BARNES ASSOCIATION
FOR THE PREVENTION OF TESTICULAR CANCER
Having a Ball is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and educating the general public about the most common form of cancer in men aged 15-44. We also want to provide valuable support to patients and survivors to enable them to save their lives.
Having a Ball strives to promote early detection through monthly self-examinations, while fighting the stigma and taboo associated with testicular cancer. Our mission is to educate the public about testicular cancer, available treatments and social support.
In June 2021 Joseph Barnes was diagnosed with metastatic testicular cancer at the age of 40. At first we were hopeful he could beat the disease, as even after it has metastasised, testicular cancer reacts well to treatment and has a high recovery rate.
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Tragically, in spite of his brave fight through 16 months of chemotherapy, numerous surgical procedures, an autologous stem cell transplant, an induced coma and over 100 days in hospital, Joey passed away on October 13, 2022.
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Within months of his tragic death, we founded the non-profit “Having a Ball - The Joseph Barnes Testicular Cancer Awareness Association” in order to educate others about the importance of self-examination and early detection of this little known form of cancer, and thereby help to save lives.
