Testicular Cancer Foundation
| Abbreviation | TCF |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2009 |
| Founder | Matt Ferstler |
| Founded at | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) organization |
| Purpose | Testicular cancer awareness and support |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas, United States |
Region served | United States |
| Kenny Kane | |
Chief mission officer | Connor O'Leary |
Key people | Matt Ferstler |
| Website | testicularcancer |
Formerly called | Single Jingles: A Testicular Cancer Foundation |
Testicular Cancer Foundation (TCF) is an American nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about testicular cancer and providing support to patients and survivors. It focuses on males aged 15–35, with an emphasis on early detection through self-examination and awareness programs.
History
Testicular Cancer Foundation was established in 2009 in Austin, Texas, by testicular cancer survivor Matt Ferstler. It was originally named Single Jingles: A Testicular Cancer Foundation.[1][2] Ferstler, who was diagnosed at the age of 21, founded the organization shortly after completing treatment to educate young men about testicular cancer.[3][4] One of TCF’s early initiatives was the "MAN UP: Check ‘Em" campaign, which promoted monthly testicular self-examinations.[5] During its early years, the foundation also participated in No-Shave November, a fundraising campaign where men grow facial hair during November and pledge donations to men's health charities.[6] As part of this effort, TCF worked with multiple police departments across Central Texas to raise funds.[6]
By 2013, TCF had formed a national speakers' bureau composed of survivors who conducted educational outreach at schools and community organizations.[7]
In 2015, Connor O'Leary, a former professional cyclist and testicular cancer survivor, joined the organization as the Chief Mission Officer (CMO).[8] In 2016, Kenny Kane was appointed executive director and later became chief executive officer.[9] The organization subsequently phased out the "Single Jingles" name in favor of the Testicular Cancer Foundation.
Operations
The Testicular Cancer Foundation focuses on education, awareness, and patient support. It distributes educational materials, including a waterproof self-exam instruction card designed for use in showers.[10] In the early 2010s, TCF also developed a smartphone application, Single Jingles, which provided guidance on performing self-examinations.[11]
The foundation hosts an annual Testicular Cancer Summit, a multi-day conference for survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals.[12] Its awareness campaigns have included the "Get In Touch With Your Testes," which used animated characters to explain self-examination.[13]
References
- ^ Reyes, Emily (February 8, 2012). "Single Jingles group informs students about testicular cancer". The Daily Toreador.
- ^ Landro, Laura (October 27, 2009). "Imerman Angels Is Chicago Network of Mentors for Cancer Patients". Wall Street Journal.
- ^ "Getting Hairy". Austin Monthly. November 3, 2015.
- ^ "Matt Ferster, Founder/President, Single Jingles A Testicular Cancer Foundation". Cancer Survivor Help. October 16, 2013.
- ^ Hoover, Brittany. "Testicular cancer survivors help spread the word". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
- ^ a b "Austin foundation hopes to bring men's health issues to forefront". KVUE. December 27, 2015.
- ^ Dudenhoefer, Nicole (April 18, 2024). "UCF Alum Establishes New Fund for Testicular Cancer Research, Awareness".
- ^ "Connor O'Leary: CMO of TCF". aballsysenseoftumor.com. August 20, 2019.
- ^ Gonzalez, Ellysa. "Cancer survivor urges men to be proactive about their health". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
- ^ "April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month". triagecancer.org. April 29, 2015.
- ^ Dredge, Stuart (October 24, 2011). "Apps Rush: Fanatix, Top Eleven, Shoutz, Single Jingles and more". The Guardian.
- ^ "TCF Summit".
- ^ "Nad & Tad - The Shorty Awards".