- 909-637-0384
- Pink Ribbon Place 4275 Lemon St, Riverside, CA
Our support group is designed for men at all stages of their
prostate cancer journey:from those who have survived, to those newly diagnosed, to those currently battling the disease. We also welcome and support their families and caretakers.
The Walnut Tribe is a peer-led, free support group offering a safe, confidential, and supportive community for men affected by prostate cancer.
Here, you’ll connect with others who understand exactly what you’re going through. Share experiences, engage in meaningful conversations, and discover the strength that comes from mutual support and encouragement. We’ve walked this path, or are walking it with you, offering real-life insights on living fully despite the challenges of a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Our mission is simple: to provide every prostate cancer survivor with a safe haven—a place where fear diminishes, hope flourishes, and no one faces this journey alone.
Considering joining us? Know that within The Walnut Tribe, you’ll find a community united by a common goal: to confront prostate cancer with courage, compassion, and unwavering hope. By sharing our stories and offering each other support, we navigate the toughest times and celebrate every victory together.
Recognizing the crucial role of women in supporting men’s health, we have partnered with The Pink Ribbon Place to educate women about prostate cancer, empowering them to advocate for early detection, support men during treatment, and promote healthy lifestyle choices.
My name is James N. Miller, Jr. I am the co-founder of The Walnut Tribe Support Group. I am also a prostate cancer survivor of almost seven years. My cancer story began in August of 2018. I was working as an airport security screener in San Francisco International Airport. I had been there for sixteen years. I was fifty-seven years old at the time and thought I was healthy enough. I had some lower back pain and had to go to the restroom more, but I thought it was just old age finally starting up. I also lost twenty pounds and thought that it was a good thing. Little did I know that it was the beginning of my cancer life. One night I was having chest pains while at work. I was taken to the nearest hospital and sent to the ER. While I was being examined, the doctors contacted my regular doctor who told them to give me a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. Until then, I had never heard of one. I later learned that a healthy man’s PSA level is at least 4.5 ml. My initial PSA level was 135 ml. After that, I was given a biopsy, CAT scan, bone density scan, etc. It took a while for me to get the results from the hospital. Finally, I was contacted by one of my oncologists on my cell phone while I was shopping at Home Depot on one of my off days. The doctor said that I had Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. The first thing that I asked was how long I had to live. He told me that maybe I had seven years. I then had to finish purchasing my items, get to my car, and drive home with that news running in my head. I got home, got drunk, and for the first time in a long while, wept. After all of that, the hospital sent me to one of their social workers. She referred me to a couple of support groups that she knew. One was for prostate cancer patients and the other was for terminal cancer patients. I chose the second group because I thought that at Stage 4, I was terminal. That turned out to be the best thing for me. I met people who had been living with cancer for up to ten or fifteen years or more, which helped give perspective on my situation. When I moved to Rialto, CA afterward to be closer to my family, I looked for the same kind of support group. However, there were none in the Inland Empire. When Covid-19 hit, and everything went virtual, the only prostate cancer group that I could find was based in New Jersey. When things started to ease up, I again looked for a support group. There were none, especially for men of color. So, my sister, Robyn Caliver and I started The Walnut Tribe Support Group. Because Black and Brown men are affected the most by the disease but are given the least attention and information.
A Journey of Faith, Love, and Strength My name is Steve H, and last year, at 59 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer. At the time, I was facing a lot of uncertainty. After 32 years working at Yellow Freight, the company shut its doors, and I suddenly found myself without a job. On top of that, my health insurance was set to expire in just three months. My fiancée encouraged me to get my prostate checked before my coverage ended. I wasn’t in a rush at first, but something about her persistence stayed with me. I finally scheduled the appointment—and I’m grateful I did. After a PSA test showing a level of 7.5 and several biopsies, I received the diagnosis: prostate cancer—just weeks before my insurance ran out. It was a lot to process all at once—losing my job, facing a cancer diagnosis, and worrying about how I would afford treatment. Thankfully, a few months later, I found new employment but I had to wait another 6 months for my health insurance to kick in before I was able to begin my treatment. After undergoing 20 rounds of radiation, my PSA is now down to 0.2. Looking back, I realize how important it is to listen to the people who love you, to prioritize your health, and to stay hopeful even when life feels overwhelming. I’m grateful every day for the support I received—and for the second chance to care for my health and my future.
A few years back over the course of several checkups, I noticed my PSA levels rising. Once the level had reached a 12, I drastically changed my diet. I successfully lowered the level to a 7, however, shortly after it rose again to a 10. After consulting with my oncologist and a biopsy, prostate cancer was confirmed. Early detection was key in providing me several options of which I chose removal. No radiation or chemo required in my case.Today i'm back at 100%, living my best life and cancer free. Fellas, you can get your PSA checked with a simple blood test. Awareness and knowledge of your health is power.
Riverside location (held on the 1st Wednesday of each month) Pink Ribbon Place 4275 Lemon St, Riverside, CA 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Ph: 951-823-0261 Ph:909-637-0384
