Life Beyond Prostate Cancer Series: Prostate Cancer survivor George Craft, “Let me hear your war cry.”

Story by Walter Pritchard, TEN Media

The sound of the war cry is powerful, whether at the start of The Empowerment Network (TEN)’s monthly Prostate Cancer Support Meeting or leading the charge at the annual Zero End Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Tower Grove Park.

It is the rallying shout taken up by the MEN OF TEN, soldiers in the fight against the enemy—the insidious disease that can take lives.

“What do we do?” Mellve Shahid, founder of TEN, as he passionately calls out at every support group gathering. The men respond in unison, "We Survive, and We Thrive.”

The cry goes beyond a slogan. It embodies the spirit of prostate cancer survivor George Craft, who created the phrase to highlight that life after prostate cancer can be rich and full.

“I believe my passion for this organization shone through, and my feelings about what the people of TEN have been doing even before I joined,” he emphatically states. “We haven’t just survived; we’re not just living—we’re surviving and thriving.”

George, 60, serves as TEN's Outreach Coordinator. He and a dedicated group of survivors regularly attend community events and health fairs, sharing literature and answering questions about the disease, with the key message: “Prostate cancer is treatable if detected early with a simple blood test. It could save your life.” He is also part of the Prayer Team, visiting men in hospitals for surgery to offer support.

George’s prostate cancer journey began with his diagnosis in June 2022 and subsequent treatment under a urologist who recommended active surveillance, given the low-grade nature of the cancer.

After that, the doctor left, and George was referred to another urologist, who performed a biopsy in April 2023, revealing more aggressive cancer. That led George to choose surgery over radiation. He underwent a prostatectomy in January 2024, followed by an urethroplasty in April 2024 to fix urinary issues, both of which were successful procedures.

“After I had my surgery, I was a new me,” he recalls. “Things were different. My wife, Courtney, was there to support me. The doctors told me my functions would not be the same as before.”

George joined the Empowerment Network in February 2024 after a fellow member introduced him, and he found the support group comforting.

“When I became a member of The Empowerment Network, I was able to talk to the brothers about their journeys, which helped me understand what to expect in my own,” he says. “It made me realize how precious life is.”

His experience with cancer has deepened his appreciation for life and motivated him to educate others about prostate cancer screening.

“You have to touch someone,” he says. “And as prostate cancer survivors, you have to be an advocate for yourself.”

George and Courtney have been married for 27 years. They have two sons, Elijah and Isiah. He’s a member of Impact Church St. Louis, in Cahokia Heights, IL.

George loves traveling, especially cruises, and is planning one for next summer. He recently took up golf through the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) military program, which introduces golf to active-duty military and veterans to boost their physical, social, mental, and emotional well-being.

A retired Navy veteran after 27 years of active and reserve duty, George always wanted to try golf but never did. Last summer, a friend told him about PGA HOPE, so he decided to pick up some clubs and give it a try.

“I’ve come to love the game. It’s so challenging,” he says. “The challenge is to myself—to stay consistent, to learn something new every time I play. “I’m not very good right now, but I’m sticking with it. I see myself playing this game well into my later years.”