Don’t wait to press start: A father and son’s message on cancer prevention
A lifelong athlete and marathon runner, Donald Desseyn, 65, never imagined that his aches and pains were leading to a blood cancer diagnosis in 2022.
“I thought it was muscle strain, just aging. I tried chiropractors, massage therapy…but things got worse,” explained Donald. “By Memorial Day weekend, I was in the hospital. They told my wife they didn’t think I’d walk out.”
Donald underwent a stem cell transplant that December. Today, his multiple myeloma is in remission. But the journey didn’t end there—a routine PSA test in 2025 revealed prostate cancer, treated with surgery in November. Thankfully, doctors caught it early.
“I’m doing pretty good now. They got all of it. I just retired in September, so every day feels like a new gift,” he says.
For his son, Adam, this family history of cancer shaped his perspective. He grew up knowing cancer was a part of his family’s story: In addition to his father’s diagnoses, Adam’s grandfather passed away from the same blood cancer Donald had when Adam was in his early teens.
While only 5%-10% of cancers are hereditary, a परिवार के इतिहास of cancer can certainly increase your risk. It may mean you need to begin cancer screenings at an earlier age or be tested more frequently.
Screenings weren’t something Adam, now 30, had thought about much, but as he watched his father’s health journey unfold, the importance of early detection became clear. And while there are no नियमित जांच available for multiple myeloma, there are routine screenings for prostate cancer—which Adam plans to bring up with his doctor early because of his father and grandfather.
Prostate cancer screening is based on a shared-decision making process between the patient and their health care provider; for those of average risk, these conversations typically start at 50. Because of his family history, Adam will be starting these conversations as early as 45.
“Honestly, I’d rather have one uncomfortable day a year [getting screened] than risk everything,” says Adam. “If it keeps me around another 60 or 70 years [from now], I’ll gladly do it.”
Despite Donald’s health challenges, he and Adam have shared something special over the years: gaming. Speedrunning marathon बहुत बढ़िया खेल जल्दी से हो गया (AGDQ) isn’t just an event for them—it’s a tradition. AGDQ 2026 marks the second event the pair has attended together after Adam invited his dad in 2025 as a way to spend some quality time together.
“I got the [speedrunning] bug after last year,” says Adam. “I started posting times online, joined marathons…it’s been a blessing.”
When Adam asked if his dad wanted to join him again this year, Donald’s response was simple: “Let’s do it.”
For Donald, the event opened his eyes to the skill and dedication behind speedrunning. “I wasn’t familiar with how much it’s developed. The hand-eye coordination, the focus—it’s impressive. And it’s a great way to spend time with my son.”
Beyond the speedruns and shared memories from AGDQ, their bond carries a deeper message—one that could save lives. Both father and son share the same advice when it comes to health: don’t wait.
“If you have any issues, get checked. The best way to prevent cancer is education. Learn what you can do now—you can’t wait until you’re 60 to start.”