1-415-925-7000
Meet Stan Rosenfeld

Generous in Spirit: Stan Rosenfeld, 86, is a Beacon of Hope for Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

A man on a mission. Stan Rosenfeld of Fairfax, California, is a prostate cancer survivor and has been leading a successful weekly prostate support group hosted at MarinHealth Medical Center for about 30 years.

Born in 1937, Stan Rosenfeld was an inquisitive child growing up in Brooklyn. He immersed himself in science, leading to a lifelong career at IBM.

Today, Stan Rosenfeld is an energetic, 86-year-old mentor and one-man support system for hundreds of people throughout the North Bay impacted by prostate cancer. The father of three and grandfather of two, Stan uses his love of science to understand the complexities of prostate cancer and its impact on those who are diagnosed with it. He also plays a mean game of pickleball. Six days a week.

Generous with his time and energy, and with seemingly limitless compassion, Stan has been leading the weekly Prostate Cancer Information and Support Group hosted at MarinHealth Medical Center for almost 30 years, with about 30 men in attendance each week. Many of those men have been referred by clinical staff and physicians from MarinHealth Medical Center, including the dedicated Oncology Patient Navigation team.

The group meets to exchange views and concerns, and to give positive support to one another. The goal is to provide a safe place for participants to understand the impact prostate cancer may have on their lifestyle. Member-led, the group is free to discuss whatever is on their minds as they progress through treatment. Topics discussed by the group range from Gleason scores to more sensitive issues like erectile dysfunction and finding legitimate sources of information.

Stan's Top-10 List for Health and Happiness

  1. Early detection saves lives. Know your PSA from age 45 on and become informed about prostate cancer.
  2. For those with a prostate cancer diagnosis: Stay informed, get your PSA, MRI and other tests, listen to your doctor, make sure your cancer isn’t advancing, read as much as you can, and go to a support group.
  3. If you’re in good enough shape, do more exercise: Stan adds floor exercises every day with weights in addition to pickleball.
  4. Do something that gives you satisfaction, provides service, and is community-oriented.
  5. Eat a plant-based diet.
  6. Don’t keep your feelings or your diagnosis to yourself.
  7. If you’re feeling down or depressed, consider medication or seeing a professional.
  8. Find ways to reduce stress (meditation, hobbies)
  9. Show and tell the people you love that you love them.
  10. Remember you are not alone. We are here to help.

“Stan is an incredible human being and his leadership and service beautifully complements our clinical program,” said Brian French, MD, MarinHealth Oncology Patient Navigator. “He’s truly a shining star in the community.”

Prostate cancer affects one in six American men at some point in their lifetime. Although Stan does not provide any medical advice, he encourages men to get tested, listen to their doctor, and seek out second opinions.

As Stan heads off to lead his 176th prostate cancer support Zoom meeting, it’s clear that his journey is one of unwavering fortitude and dedication, and his is a story that has left an indelible mark on thousands of lives.

Story by Jennifer Churchill, MarinHealth
Photos by Lirette Photography
Date Published: September 29, 2023