RALEIGH, NC – September 14th marked the 3rd annual "Prostate Cancer Awareness Sunday" at Christian Faith Baptist Curch in Raleigh, NC. Christian Faith member Doctor Leroy Darkes plays guitar there regularly during worship. But Dr. Darkes is also president of the North Carolina Minority Prostate Cancer Awareness Action Team. In commemoration of September being Prostate Cancer (PC) Awareness Month, the "Action Team" recently joined Christian Faith for worship.
The vestibule flourished a sea of "PC blue" on the shirts of Action Team members and a table of brochures, PC blue ribbon pins, screening reminder pens as well as other life-saving information. In the sanctuary ushers presented striking blue prostate cancer church programs. Christian Faith members Lloyd Inman & Dr. Darkes were the genesis of this meaningful tradition. Christian Faith pastor Reverend Keith A. Darlington has graciously welcomed and hosted the annual prostate cancer awareness service.
Multiple online worshippers and those present witnessed Dr. Darkes celebrating his two year PC survival anniversary following an emotional revelation of his diagnosis at the same event back in 2023. The irony of Dr. Darkes' prostate cancer diagnosis was that he's been a long-term soldier in the battle against PC. He's a staunch advocate for comprehensive PC screening and an Action Team Shepherd who guides men with PC though what is often a harrowing ordeal. For many years, Dr. Darkes has been a trusted physician who counsels PC patients and screens for PC as part of his practice. He has administered PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams to countless men...many times on a volunteer basis at free screenings. Dr. Darkes' talk at Christian Faith centered around the disparate rate of PC induced morbidity and mortality for minority men which inspired formation of the Action Team. But he also emphasized how that rate can be lessened with regular screening which increases the possibility of early detection. Dr. Darkes revealed that PC displays no symptoms until later stages and that early detection gives the best chance for a successful outcome.
Reverend Darlington preached an inspiring sermon about the importance of tolerance and inclusivity, as well as humility and service-which he pointed out all require self-sacrifice. He noted the sacrifices made by Action Team members as they selflessly work to increase PC awareness and provide support for those afflicted with the incidious disease.
In attendance were many ladies motivated to gain and share PC information with others- and to encourage loved ones to get screened. Among them was Dr. Darkes' wife, Dee Darkes. Nurse Darkes chairs the recently revived "PC Angels", a branch of the Action Team designed to give information and support to wives, companions and families of PC patients & survivors. Also present was Dr. Louie Ross, chair of the Action Team Support Group which meets online monthly. The Action Team meets at noon on second Fridays at the Zeta-Sigma House in Raleigh and can be reached at 919-438-2673.
