He is currently working on his debut graphic novel, Buying Time, which he is both writing and illustrating. Michael lives with his lovely wife in central California.

You can see more of Michael’s work on his site: http://www.michaelyakutis.com/

Currently, she writes for many interesting and independent projects including a few all women collaboration books, artistic poetry books, American manga, unlikely superheroes as well as motion comics. Her style is to absorb herself into all of her comic projects as a reader, camera woman, director and listener.

She enjoys working in a team setting to reach goals and deadlines, as well as being a motivational speaker, advocate, graphic designer, and a mom to her toddler son. On weekends, she turns into a Murderball player, adventure seeker and disability advocate. By night, she works on comic book projects, designing unique greeting cards or fights the evil villain called “Inaccessibility” “Exclusion” by creating comic strips that deal with disability issues.

I’m writing this letter as a show of support for John Griffith and his message to all men to take their health seriously.

As a publicist specializing in booking authors and experts on radio shows–and podcasts–coast to coast, I worked with John on his promotional campaign for his excellent book A Dad’s Fun Guide to Raising Happy Daughters. John is the real deal–a sincere and passionate dad, author and friend. Although we’ve only met via phone calls and emails, and separated by about 1700 miles between my home in New Hampshire and his in Texas, I’m proud to call John a friend.

Which brings me to John’s latest book Lucky Man: Memoir of a Prostate Cancer Survivor. It’s a refreshingly candid, honest and funny read, filled with intense, attention-grabbing illustrations, all with one goal in mind–to encourage men to take care of their prostate! It’s powerful. It’s entertaining.

I’ve been booking guests on the ‘listening media’ for over 20 years, and John was a radio rock star during his campaign for A Dad’s Fun Guide to Raising Happy Daughters a few years ago. I believe he would be doing a public service by speaking about Lucky Man on radio and podcasts. Men need to listen to his message! I can think of a number of shows and hosts that would welcome John to speak out on preventing–and beating–prostate cancer.

Steve Becker
www.SteveBeckerPublicity.com
617.903.7360
Steve@SteveBeckerPublicity.com
@Steveisbookin

John,

I really appreciate the opportunity to support you in your efforts to educate men and take the mystery out of prostate health in such a creative way.

In my line of work as a testosterone replacement therapy provider, I frequently witness men striving to achieve maximum performance and testosterone levels, often overlooking the importance of preventative measures to screen for prostate cancer.

The information we clinicians provide to our patients is often interpreted as complex and sterile until something is wrong. Then a patient must deal with a potentially life-changing diagnosis, frequently too late. You confront men’s taboos and insecurities in this eloquent, illustrated work, and powerfully express the perspective of an actual patient experience and journey.

VIOLATED!!! is insightful, illuminating, and can save many lives while serving as an essential preventative screening tool. I am confident this work can inspire men to confront their gender-specific healthcare challenges and better understand prostate health issues.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael D. Shortt, PA-C, DSc McKinney, TX
mlshortt04@gmail.com

Having taken care of cancer patients over the last 20 years, I have been amazed at the advances I have witnessed in radiation oncology.  A patient with prostate cancer who would have previously been treated with 44 sessions of radiation over 9 weeks, may today now consider treatment in just 5 days.  Similarly, we have seen remarkable advances in prostate imaging, surgery and systemic therapy.

Despite these advances, John reminds us that the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is no less terrifying than it was 20 years ago.  While we, as clinicians, try to improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects – cancer care is first and foremost, a human endeavor.  It is a privilege to listen to our patients’ stories (like John’s) and try to provide comfort, empathy, and understanding during the cancer journey.

Anand Shivnani, MD, Texas Oncology-McKinney

I have treated many prostate cancer patients whose outcomes could have been much better had their cancer been detected sooner. As a population, men have little interest in prostate health until it is often too late. John’s approach is refreshing, written man to man instead of from a medical professional.

When men read this powerful graphic-novel testimony written by a changed man after being diagnosed with prostate cancer while seeking testosterone replacement therapy, they might finally listen and change how they engage in preventive health.

Dr. YS Ram Rao, MD
Medical Director, Radiation Oncology
Medical Director, Cancer Program
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Pomona, CA

To Whom It May Concern,

I applaud John’s initiative and what he has accomplished. His cancer story is a story of success that many men need to hear.

John’s approach is witty and appealing to men; a comic book to educate men about the importance of prostate health, and a sporting event to raise public awareness.

I am happy to support this endeavor and encourage other physicians and interested parties to learn more about John’s project.

Sincerely,

Tobenna Nwizu, MD, Texas Oncology-Allen