LaMont Walker, a retired boxer who was raised in Philadelphia, navigated a cancer journey that embodies resilience, advocacy, and hope. At 61 years old, he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. When he was diagnosed and during treatment and recovery, he had no one to lean on who truly understood what he was going through. Determined to change that for others, he has since become a mentor with Cancer Hope Network, offering guidance and encouragement to others navigating their own diagnoses.
When describing his personal journey, LaMont says he was surprised to hear the words, “You have cancer,” because he had always led such an active lifestyle. It was after his annual physical that he received a call asking him to return to the office as a result of the findings from a standard PSA test. After being diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer, LaMont underwent a prostatectomy and is happy to report that thanks to his doctors who performed nerve-sparing surgery, he has been able to continue his quality of life and “remain a virile man.”
LaMont feels he has been given a second chance. “Fourteen days after the prostatectomy, I was able to be intimate again with my wife. In three months, I was back to roller skating, biking, singing, and performing with my band.”
LaMont is grateful that he was able to see his youngest graduate high school and recently attended her track meet at the University of Cincinnati where she is on a track scholarship. He beams with pride when talking about his four kids, 8 grandchildren and wife of 40 years.
Today, LaMont is committed to raising awareness about early detection—particularly among Black men, who face a disproportionately higher risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer. With a zest for life, he has put the boxing gloves aside but performs regionally as a vocalist with his 12-piece band, Milan 77. He continues to speak at churches and other community groups where he advocates for early detection and for removing the stigma of talking about prostate cancer. His story is one of a true comeback: courage in the face of adversity, perseverance, and now dedication to supporting others in his community.
