How One Veteran Faces Bladder Cancer with Family, Resilience, and Hope
By Brandpoint
(BPT) - Sponsored by Ferring Pharmaceuticals
For more than 26 years, U.S. Navy veteran Gerald devoted his life to protecting his shipmates and serving his country. Discipline, dedication, and putting others first have always defined him. But even a lifetime of service didn't prepare him for one of his toughest battles yet: a diagnosis of high-risk bladder cancer.
Two years ago, Gerald noticed blood in his urine - a small warning sign that would change his life - and was diagnosed with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, or NMIBC. Like many patients, he began treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and chemotherapy, but the frequent dosing schedules and disruptions to his daily life became overwhelming. Eventually, the cancer returned, forcing Gerald to confront an even bigger decision.
"My doctor explained that bladder removal, or radical cystectomy, is the standard of care in cases like mine, and that delaying surgery can increase the risk of the cancer progressing," Gerald recalled. "Hearing that, I realized my life could change completely - but I wasn't ready to give up my independence or time with my family without exploring every option." Determined to find a potential alternative to bladder removal, Gerald and his doctor explored other treatment options. His care team recommended ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg), an FDA-approved gene therapy used to treat certain adults with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) whose cancer has not responded to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment and who have carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors.
"I completed my fourth treatment this September," Gerald shared. "I'm still living the life I want on my own terms, and the quarterly scheduling is convenient for me."
ADSTILADRIN can cause side effects. The most common include bladder discharge, fatigue, bladder spasm, and urinary urgency.1 Patients should talk to their doctor to understand potential risks and benefits.
For Gerald, his journey with bladder cancer is about more than treatment. He credits his wife and high school sweetheart, Alishia, for being by his side at every appointment. He also finds strength in online bladder cancer support groups and in sharing his story to help other veterans. "Two of my shipmates from the Navy were also diagnosed with bladder cancer. I'm the only one still here. That's heavy, but it also gives me purpose - to make my experience count and help others face this disease with hope." Gerald is sharing his story to raise awareness among other veterans who may face similar health challenges.
This Bladder Health Awareness Month and Veteran's Day, Gerald encourages others to prioritize early detection, lean on their care team, and seek credible information. His story is a powerful reminder that many veterans may face unique environmental exposures during their service that can increase their risk of certain presumptive conditions outlined in the PACT Act, including bladder cancer. Recognizing symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, or pain during urination - and seeking prompt medical attention - can make a critical difference in early diagnosis and care.
For more information about ADSTILADRIN, please see Important Safety Information below and for Full Prescribing Information, visit www.ADSTILADRIN.com.
INDICATION
ADSTILADRIN is a treatment for adults who have all the following:
• High-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)
• Cancer that is not responding to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy
• Carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without other high-grade tumors
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should not receive ADSTILADRIN?
Do not receive ADSTILADRIN if you have a sensitivity to interferon alfa or any of its components.
What is the most important information I should know about ADSTILADRIN?
Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not prepare, administer, receive or come into contact with ADSTILADRIN.
What should I tell my healthcare provider?
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN?
The most common side effects of ADSTILADRIN include:
Urinary discharge, fatigue, bladder spasm, urgency to urinate, and blood in your urine.
These are not all the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-332-1088. You may also contact Ferring Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-FERRING.
What other information should I know about using ADSTILADRIN?
For 2 days following treatment, voided urine should be disinfected for 15 minutes with an equal volume of bleach before flushing.
For more important information, call 1-888-337-7464.
Please see full Prescribing Information.
*Gerald is an actual patient who has been compensated for his time by Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
1 ADSTILADRIN. Prescribing Information. Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 2025. Available at: https://d2hu1op93domjx.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/10/13222320/ADSTILADRIN-USPI-10.2025-CLEAN.pdf.
US-ADST-2500272, 11/25 v2
Source: BrandPoint
