Dear Friends and Family,

This summer at my camp (Moshava) I am being called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Part of becoming a Bar Mitzvah is taking a responsibility for my community. I’m writing to you to you now to share with you one way I have chosen to take responsibility, and to invite you to join me.

Last year our friend and my coach Lowell Ensel died suddenly at the age of 20. Lowell was a sophomore in college, and an outstanding friend, filmmaker, athlete, and scholar. Lowell was on his way back from the University of Maryland health clinic -- he had gone in because of an unrelenting cough -- when he collapsed and died on the shuttle. We later learned that he had suffered from undiagnosed testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs.

This was shocking news. I had heard of testicular cancer but it was hard to imagine that someone who was so healthy suddenly died without showing any symptoms. However, it turns out testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males ages 15-34, but when detected early 99% percent of guys diagnosed with testicular cancer survive it, and go on to lead normal, active lives.  These statistics demonstrate the importance of self-exams.

The tragedy of Lowell’s death might have been able to be prevented. This is why I have decided as my mitzvah project to raise awareness about testicular cancer. My goal is to raise at least $1,800 (100 x Chai/life/18) for the Testicular Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about early detection. Please donate what you can in honor of my Bar Mitzvah. I am also raising awareness and hopefully helping to prevent more similar tragedies by putting up self-exam shower hangers in all the boys’ showers in my machaneh (camp). These shower hangers explain how to do a self-exams and what to look for. You can get one for your shower at home for free at testicularcancer.org, where you can also learn more about testicular cancer including how to do a monthly self-exam.

With love and gratitude, particularly for those who read this letter to the end,

Segev