Meet the team behind Prostate Cancer Maine
Lee Goldberg
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March of 2021. I had no symptoms of any kind and no family history. My PCP just happened to add a PSA test to my regular labs that were being done at my annual physical. I didn't even know what PSA was.
My wife and I decided to go 'public' with my diagnosis and recovery. It hasn't always been pretty. But the thought was maybe someone out there like me, no symptoms, no history, would get a blood test and get some vital information that could be life saving.
Over the last couple of years, I have been driven to do more. The idea for this nonprofit came to be, and then the wheels were put in motion to make it a reality.
Our mission is, among other things, to raise awareness of the importance of a PSA test. It is too easy to do to not have it done regularly. Having an elevated PSA does not mean you have anything wrong with you necessarily, it's just a small piece to a very big puzzle. But it is key information that everybody should have.
Appreciate your time coming to this page and learning more, and on behalf of everybody at Prostate Cancer Maine, certainly appreciate any and all support.
Dr. Stephan Ryan, MD
I was raised in North Carolina in a very large close-knit family. I have a degree in chemistry, masters in physiology, and my medical degree. After med school I trained as a Urologist in Maine (where I met my beautiful wife), then went off to California for additional specialized training in Urologic Oncology. As happens with anyone from Maine, we were called back to practice in the Pine Tree state.
I have a special interest in the entirety of prostate cancer, with several peer-reviewed publications ranging from early (genetic risk of prostate cancer) to later (salvage therapy after failed treatment) prostate cancer. As a result, the majority of my practice involves localized prostate cancer managed with active surveillance and surgical treatment.
PSA based prostate cancer screening is a lightening rod topic in the medical community and unfortunately patients don’t get the information they need. Prostate Cancer Maine is a way to get information directly to the citizens of Maine so that they can be empowered to improve their health. There are a lot of organizations to help prostate cancer patients, but Prostate Cancer Maine is a more focused source for Mainers especially during a vulnerable time of diagnosis. We hope to be part information, advocate, and sounding board for prostate cancer in state of Maine.
Outside of work I am grateful to live in this beautiful state with my beautiful, intelligent and caring wife. We have 3 amazing kids and I’m so grateful to god for their presence, that I hope to impart that on the people I advise or treat. Thank you for taking to time to stop in.
Karen Goldberg
I have spent most of my life in some kind of public service- I started volunteering for the AIDS PROJECT at age 11. Through the years I have been involved with many non profits, serving on the board of directors for the Iris Network, and currently as a Corporator with Sweetser. I am a born and raised Mainer.
I started my adult life at USM, Maine College of Art & SMCC. I then became a women and children’s advocate for (then) Family Crisis Services and am certified in Core Comprehensive Advocacy, Intervention, Response, and Ethics. I carry many other certifications as a Reserve Police Officer, 911 Emergency Dispatcher, EMT, Crisis Intervention, Security Officer, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and many more. I am a strong social justice advocate. I own DissentWearBrand.com and design clothing, art and Skincare/SelfCare; I hold the title Doctor of Divinity – actively offering Spiritual Counseling for all faiths(and non faiths), performing weddings, funerals and ceremonies; a certified Life Coach with trauma & ADHD specialties; and a Holistic Health Practitioner. Always loving to expand my learning, I am currently pursuing my RN. I also own Aprés Sol Medical Spa & Wellness in Scarborough. “Self care is so important and being able to be part of someone's journey is truly rewarding.”
When Lee was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer I needed to know everything I possibly could about what this meant for our lives and what was the best route to take. This is a couples disease (if you are a couple). I feel very strongly about supporting partners and loved ones and making sure that people are given honest and accurate information. Thank you for coming to our site. We hope to be able to focus on helping Mainers through their journeys as they navigate what this means.
Otherwise, I love spending time with Lee and our 8 children, 4 dogs, 6 cats and whatever else we have rescued! You can always find me by the ocean.
Kathryn Ryan, NP
Katie is by far the best of us. She just won’t write her own bio. She is the glue that holds PCM together.