Author: Larrell Wilkinson

Health(y) Positive Prevention Profiles Promotion

Former NBA star & champion Dwayne Wade raises awareness about Kidney Cancer

By Larrell Wilkinson on

by Larrell L. Wilkinson, PHAME-US.com

Dwyane Wade, the celebrated NBA Hall of Famer, recently opened up about his battle with kidney cancer on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Wade shared that his diagnosis came after he turned 40 and decided to undergo a comprehensive health check-up. With a family history of cancer—his father and grandfather both battled prostate cancer—he wanted to be proactive about his health. In December 2023, Wade underwent a procedure to remove part of his kidney, which was later confirmed to be cancerous.

On the talk show known for its humor and funny comedic bits, Wade shared the importance of knowing your body and getting “checked out” by a doctor. During an emotional appearance on the talk show Jenna & Friends, Mr. Wade shared more regarding his health, challenges, and the symptoms that led him to speak to his doctor who recommended additional tests. He also gave credit to his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, and his children for their support during his recovery.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following symptoms for kidney cancer, including:

  • Blood in the urine.
  • A lump or swelling in the kidney area or abdomen.
  • Lower back pain or pain in the side that doesn’t go away.
  • Feeling tired often.
  • Fever that keeps coming back.
  • Not feeling like eating.
  • Losing weight for no reason that you know of.
  • Something blocking your bowels.
  • A general feeling of poor health.

In 2024, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 14,390 people (9,450 men and 4,940 women) died from kidney cancer disease in 2024 and approximately 81,610 new cases of kidney cancer were diagnosed (American Cancer Society, n.d.). The CDC recommends several steps to lower the risk of kidney and renal pelvis cancers, including:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor, so staying active and eating a balanced diet can help.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer, so quitting is highly beneficial.
  • Be cautious with certain chemicals: Especially trichloroethylene, which is used in some industrial jobs. Proper safety measures are essential if you’re exposed to it.

To learn more about Dwayne Wade and hear more about his life, perspectives on sports, fashion, music, and business, we can tune into his channel on YouTube, the WY Network. To learn more about kidney cancer, please visit the CDC web presence for kidney cancer and the American Cancer Society (ACS). To raise awareness and encourage others regarding their health journeys, please consider engaging with US on Facebook.

References
American Cancer Society. (n.d.). About Kidney Cancer. http://Www.cancer.org. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/kidney-cancer/about.html
CDC. (2024, April 25). Kidney Cancer Basics. Kidney Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-cancer/about/index.html

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Impact of Free Healthcare at 2024 Paris Olympics & Healthcare Accessibility

By Larrell Wilkinson on

By Larrell L. Wilkinson, PHAME-US.com

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have introduced a significant benefit for athletes: free healthcare services within the Olympic Village. This initiative is significant, providing comprehensive medical care to athletes from around the world. The healthcare is an additional benefit, ensuring the athletes can perform at their best without worrying about healthcare costs.

The Olympic Village offers a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, orthopedics, physiotherapy, psychology, podiatry, and sports medicine. This extensive healthcare provision is designed to cater to the unique needs of elite athletes, who often require specialized medical attention due to the physical demands of their sports.

Ariana Ramsey, a U.S. women’s rugby player, has spotlighted her positive experiences with the free healthcare services in the Olympic Village, sharing her journey on social media. Her posts have gone viral, emphasizing the benefits she has received utilizing the healthcare system in France. Ariana’s testimonies offer followers greater understanding of the importance of access to quality health care.

Many people in the United States don’t get the health care services they need. A report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that about 1 in 10 people in the United States don’t have health insurance (Berchick, Barnett, & Hood, 2018). Strategies to increase insurance coverage rates are critical for making sure more people get important health care services, like preventive care and treatment for chronic illnesses. Voting for policies that expand healthcare coverage, utilizing current healthcare resources consistently, and practicing health promoting behaviors can lead to better health and well-being for individuals and our communities.

Using your voice and your vote can make a difference. In light of ongoing global discussions about healthcare accessibility and affordability, healthcare was is being offered at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Importantly, the initiative is supporting physical and mental health, supporting athletes ability to manage the stresses of competition. When the Olympic Games come to Los Angeles, CA in 2028, let’s hope we too will offer free health care to all Olympic Athletes. In fact, let’s do more than hope! Let’s lift our voices and support the Olympic athletes coming to our country and our many neighbors who are here and can benefit from expanded access to health care.

Strategies like providing team-based care and reducing copays can help people get recommended preventive care services. Still, there are other ideas on how to best expand access to healthcare. To find out more about efforts to support greater access to healthcare, consider visiting https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/health-care-access-and-quality.

References

Berchick, E.R., Hood, E., & Barnett, J.C. (2018). Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2017. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2018/demo/p60-264.pdf

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Reflecting on a tragic moment of civil rights history and feelings of yesterday

By Larrell Wilkinson on

Larrell L. Wilkinson | PHAME-US

Photo of window at the 16th Street Baptist Church and memorial plaque honoring the memory of the four young girls killed by the KKK bombing of the the church on September 15, 1963.

I knew yesterday was going to hit me hard. During the early weeks of September in Birmingham, AL, the annual commemorations begin. This year marks 60 years since the tragic death of four little girls and the injuries of several others, during the turbulent days of the Civil Rights movement. The City of Birmingham honored the victims of the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963, during the week of remembrance.

Working in the Birmingham area, I often drive past the historic markers of the Civil Rights movement. I can see the A.G. Gaston Motel, the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and drive to Montgomery, AL to the Equal Justice Initiative & National Memorial, Dexter Ave. Church, the Rosa Parks Museum, and sacred sites of the movement. This year, 60 years after that fateful day of losing Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, & Cynthia Wesley, I know that America has made progress towards racial conciliation. I see it daily at my job, during worship occasions at my church, in visiting my children’s school, walking my neighborhood and patronizing businesses in my community. Still, exercising faith for a future that overcomes the actions of hatred manifested by individuals and groups that want to further efforts to separate us in the U.S., by race, by class, by the faith we practice, by any means that furthers their hate filled mission, that faith must be strong and resilient.

The actions of 60 years ago may seem like history to some but are very relevant to communities of people who have additional concerns when we go for a jog, shop at our community stores, or worship in our churches. Our families trade text messages to remind each other to “be safe”, “travel in groups”, “don’t travel at night”, “don’t get off the phone until you get home”, “don’t get gas at night”, “don’t stop at any stores tonight, we’ll order it later”, etc. Perhaps some if you are reading this, you might say, these sayings sound like useful tips. In contrast, others reading these words understand that these aren’t just tips, but necessary actions of life preservation for people feeling maliciously targeted due to their culture. For many, events that happened 60 years ago doesn’t feel like history, it feels like yesterday. Still, these groups of people press forward in hopes that their girls and boys will experience a society where the actions of a hateful few are no longer. Their hope is in a loving God, with the direction to love Him and to also love your neighbor as yourself (New International Version, Matt. 22: 34 – 40). It is in experiencing this form of solidarity that we can share in faith, hope, and love; love being the greatest of these (New International Version, Cor. 13:13).

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Reflecting on purpose when choosing close friends

By Larrell Wilkinson on

By Larrell L. Wilkinson | PHAME-US Campaign

Photo by Mauru00edcio Mascaro on Pexels.com

It has been said, “birds of a feather flock together.” I heard the wise saying growing up, especially in my teen years. I would see the saying on inspirational posters or hear it from family members and/or church leaders…particularly when being encouraged to stay away from individuals that may have been troublemakers. As the admonishment would go, “avoid hanging out with (insert first name) person, else you may end up in trouble like them. Remember, “birds of a feather flock together.” I know it seems so cliché, but coming back around to this quote many years later, I will acknowledge that the friends we have around us, particularly our closest friends, will more than likely influence the direction of our life. Our closest friends are likely a significant ingredient in our life’s recipe for successfully accomplishing our goals. So then questions arise like, “what goals do I have for my life” and “how should I determine who I let into my closest friend circle?

I recently had the opportunity to reflect on the process of choosing people in support of living out purpose while listening to the Bible. In Acts of the Apostles 1:12-21 (NLT), the apostles are meeting to chose another person to become a witness with them to the resurrection of Jesus. The apostles were looking for a person who would be trusted with leading in the Gospel and joining them in the innermost circle of the work to be done. Much like friends with different life experiences, the apostle’s relationships were lets say,…very human. And when it came to choosing from among people in their network, Acts of the Apostles 1:24 suggests that the men “prayed” about the hearts of the men to join them in the inner workings of the ministry. Hmmm, praying about who I should let into my closest network of people to join me in my most important works of life. Outside of my wife, I hadn’t much thought of that.

When it comes to making friends, we are told to associate higher (associating with people in a higher social status than your current position), choose friends with similar values and/or goals to your own, or choose friends that balance your strengths/weaknesses. All of this is good advice. Additionally, let’s acknowledge that in order for us and our flock to soar towards our purpose in life, it doesn’t hurt to pray about and for the people coming into or already in our lives. Perhaps we should consider talking through (vetting) and praying with trusted people already in our lives about individuals who may join our circle? Sound too intrusive? Sound too clique’ish? What if being intentional about the type of individuals joining us on our life’s journey and mission was a key ingredient to our success? I get it. Honestly, it feels a little uncomfortable to type. However, as I travel along the lifecourse, I’ve had many good and not so good experiences.

The best contributors to my continued evolution in life have been the ones that I know God has blessed me with encountering. God has placed a great variety of people from many different backgrounds and experiences in my life to help me along the way. Sometimes I prayed and the person came, other times I met the person through a program, in school, through work, etc. and later recognized that God sent them. Overall, we seldom go wrong when we have around us, people who are positive individuals, supportive of overall health, seeking to live out a positive purpose, and willing to work as a support with you and others toward common positive goals. We’ll show love to many people and will likely have a network of people around us. There are a lot of people out there from which to choose our closest friends, so in deciding, let’s choose to be intentional and consider the power of prayer as well. It doesn’t hurt and furthermore, the intentionality and prayer may be the difference in making decisions that have lasting benefit to our lives.

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Working to Be Heavenly Minded & Earthly Good…

By Larrell Wilkinson on

By Larrell L. Wilkinson

Photo by Ric Rodrigues on Pexels.com

Many have heard the Bible verse, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV). So being real for a moment, many of us do become distracted and/or challenged in the action of first seeking His kingdom and righteousness. We are challenged in making Him the priority over things of the world. So often our troubles in and of the world take precedent in our daily lives. Whether personal or social, a person may wake up thinking about their troubles or literally “yell angry expressions through typing” on Twitter to express their opinion about a particular topic that irks them. Let’s not forget our instinctive reaction to people who cut us off on the freeway! These first thoughts, instinctive reactions and/or expressions on social media may occur before we have once prayed to God about the problem or meditated on the “trouble” given God’s instruction to us from His Word.

Let me be clear, there are many serious trials and tribulations that we may encounter in life. For James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4, NIV). Consider it “pure joy…”, REALLY? It tough dealing with challenges like hate through racism. Lord, I really rather not have to deal with the stresses of racism or concern myself with how racism may impact my children. And what about other hardships? What if a couple is going through a rough patch in their marriage; a person is battling with serious illness; and/or coping with other inequities within society…I mean who really desires to be faced with these other difficult life circumstances.

Still, I want to encourage us to press into God (& His kingdom) more! Practicing patience, finding joy in hope, and being consistent in prayer (Romans 12:12) may help us to resolve our personal troubles. The book of Isaiah suggest that we do right; seek (require or demand) justice; defend the oppressed; take up the cause of the fatherless; and plead the case of the widow (Isaiah 1:17) within society. This is how we can work to address some major issues impacting our local communities. For the last part of Matthew 6:33 says, “…and all these things will be given to you as well.” Thus, God is telling us that racial reconciliation, health and recovery, a flourishing society, a better marriage, overcoming our personal challenges…can occur when we seek His kingdom and His righteousness.

No one is saying it will be easy, at least I’m not. As a matter of fact, or my opinion, I believe it may be extremely difficult to address challenging areas in our personal lives and socially. Plus, we must consider God’s timing and that His ideas may be different than our expectations. Still, working to seek God and His kingdom FIRST, is our FIRST step to addressing problems in our lives. Second, I believe it is important to change our own attitudes positively about the challenges that we experience. This is why James says, “consider it pure joy” and I am sharing with you that I am a “work in progress.” To help me, I am intentional about keeping positive and healthy family/friends/mentors around me from whom I can seek good advice and social-emotional-mental-physical-financial support. A church can be helpful in this endeavor as well. Finally, I also work to accomplish small tasks around me, challenging myself to take on bigger issues as I build momentum (confidence) with smaller successes.

So what about you? How do you address challenges in your life? What concerns can PHAME-US Life help to encourage you through from the “test” to the “testimony” for others to see? Feel free to share in the comments section or join us on social media. May God Bless You and Yours.

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This Little Light of Mine, I’m Going to Let it Shine: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2021

By Larrell Wilkinson on

I can remember hot Sundays and weekdays sitting in the pews of hot Mississippi churches listening to my grandmothers sing:

“This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine, (Ohhh!)

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…”

If you have never heard a deep, southern gospel group of adults or even children sing this song, well, run to YouTube quickly and find some videos or download the music at Apple, Amazon, Google, etc. The song can be an uplift, whenever you need it most. I can still hear both of my grandmother’s voices in my inner ear, singing this song among the other church choir members. At one of my home churches in Mississippi, I can hear the choir singing under the direction of my aunt playing the piano and keying up the verses. I am telling you; the church was hot with the bright sun beams coming down on both of my family churches (in different parts of the State of Mississippi), but the song was “SANG” the same. I can still hear the passion in the voices of the choir, most of them older women: mothers, grandmothers, aunties, cousins, sisters, family…instructing us in the audience to let our light shine.

Most of the church was much older than me. My grandparents’ generation lived through World War II, Jim Crow Laws of the South, and the Civil Rights struggle and gains of the 20th Century. They combatted the ugliness of racism: burned down African American owned stores, fire bombed churches, challenges to perform the guaranteed civic duty of voting, discrimination, and racial bias in the Armed Services while fighting for the United States of America, inability to get farm loans, etc. because of the color of their skin. But through it all, they “let their light shine.” By law, it was determined that they would live as second-class citizens in the South, segregated as “separate and unequal” and through it all they “let their light shine.”

It didn’t matter if you were an older adult, adult, teenager, or child…in the church, listeners were told:

“Everywhere I go

I’m gonna let it shine

Everywhere I go

I’m gonna let it shine

Everywhere I go

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

And why? Why did (do) we have to shine the light? It is true that the Bible reads, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NIV). But I tell you more practically, my grandmothers and the leaders of their generation were singing more practically. They were teaching and encouraging, saying to combat White Citizen’s Council policies, redlining, Jim Crow Laws, lynching, unlawful arrests, racial profiling, and other violations of African Americans (& People of Color) civil rights, we must let our light shine. They did GOOD when faced with EVIL, demonstrated LOVE when given HATE, and offered FORGIVENESS (not forgetfulness) when presented MEANNESS, OPPRESSION, and OFFENSE. The choir knew what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Let’s choose to love today and every day, loving our neighbor (others) as we do ourselves (Mark 12:31, NIV). Love to all of you and thank you for your leadership Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. May we continue to let our light shine!

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A Note of Love to My Wife Khalia: Thank You Sweetheart

By Larrell Wilkinson on

My dearest Khalia,

Thank you for your love.

Thank you for being patient with me. Sometimes my ways are not your ways and your ways are not mine, but you choose to love me through the tension.

Thank you for being kind to me. I realize there are times I am unpleasant to be around, but you choose to love me with your gentleness.

Thank you for being generous with me. I realize there are times between us that inspire resentment, but you choose to pursue goodwill in our relationship.

Thank you for diminishing my faults, remaining down-to-earth, and being civil and polite. I realize there are times I come off rude or high-and-mighty, but you choose to not be irritable with me and forgive my wrongs.

Thank you for being fair with me. I realize there are times where your sacrifice or compromise is not celebrated, but you choose to exercise truth in a respectful manner.

Thank you for not giving up on me, not losing faith in me, remaining hopeful with me, and enduring life’s circumstances with me! Thank you for being a loving wife to me!

Your Husband,

Larrell L. Wilkinson

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A Prayer for Our Country on January 6, 2021

By Larrell Wilkinson on
  • Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Father God,

As we watch the turmoil in Washington, D.C. right now, we turn to you and pray for our nation. We pray for peace, calm, & demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ. We pray for the safety of the Capitol Police protecting Congress; the safety of Senators and Representatives; and the safety of peaceful protestors. We pray protection from those who divide, sow discord, & perform acts of violence. We pray the leaders of our government, leaders of the United States of America do the serious work to form a more perfect Union…working toward Justice, Tranquility, the Common Defense, promoting the general Welfare, and continuing to secure the Blessings of Liberty for ourselves and Posterity. Amen. #capitolhill#democracy#StrongerTogether

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Reflecting on 2020: The @Home Haircut while in Quarantine

By Larrell Wilkinson on


No doubt, 2020 was a hard year! There were many tragic circumstances (I won’t list them in this lighthearted post) that transpired through the year. Life changed for many of us. As I type this reflection, it is hard for me to remain cheerful because the year was filled with many challenges for the nation, there were many struggles in local communities, and many hardships for individuals close to me (myself included). Still, in this posting, I will choose to reflect on a lighter side of life. So here it goes, among the many reflections I have about 2020, at least one of those is the Quarantine Haircut. Now, it may not be what you think…I don’t have a horror story. I am bald, so I am good! And, I know that we are to “not worry…about your body, what you will wear…is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25, NIV). So, we shouldn’t worry about haircuts? Right? Well, I do want my son to look good, but…$15 – $20 per haircut. I mean real talk; he is 3 years old. He doesn’t like to sit still and sometimes he cries when I cut his hair, especially when he was younger. Plus, that is low end $180 to high end $480 a year. We’re on a budget, so yes, I have and will continue to cut his hair (at least in the short term)!

The reason why I can appreciate 2020 is because so many other parents did the same thing. Many parents (& adults) got their haircut at home, imperfections or haircut fails and all! I won’t comment about the stress that the women in my family experienced. That is another post for another day…or never! For me, I didn’t feel that fatherly guilt knowing my son didn’t have the “tightest fade” or the coolest new design! Everybody did what they had to do, and the world kept on spinning! So, parents, are you going back to taking your son to the barbershop? Or, are you pocketing the haircut money and putting the money away in savings account, using the money to invest, or placing the money for your vacation fund?

At least for the time being, there will be no strong tape ups (fades) for my son [although I will start to practice] and sometimes his hair line is a little crooked (I know, but it grows out). But there is also, no 20 – 30-minute drive to the “shop” and then another 20 – 30 minutes back home; no appointments or wait times for the “chair” (the wait can be so long); and we continue to place the cost savings into other budget areas for the family. Plus, we still aren’t going much of anywhere…anyways! And although we aren’t supposed to worry about how we look so much , my son is still very handsome!

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Working to Reduce Our Racial Biases in 2021

By Larrell Wilkinson on


But the Lord said to Samuel, “…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV).” A recent incident going viral through social media portrays a European American woman accusing an African American teenager of being in possession of her iPhone in a hotel lobby. The story has gone viral due to the unfortunate escalation of this situation, eventually involving the Arlo Hotel staff and local police. According to video posted online, the European American woman works to tackle the young man who she believes is in possession of her phone. Soon after this ill-fated incident, an Uber driver return the woman’s iPhone to her at the hotel.

Certainly, an apology is in order and it is likely that civil and probably even criminal charges will be pursued. Although there are many sides to a story and more will come to light related to this situation; many African Americans specifically, and “people of color” generally are physically weary, emotionally drained, and socially tired of living with and pushing through these circumstances caused by bias. All kinds of biases exist regarding sex, age, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, height, etc. Focusing on race, this unnecessary circumstance experienced by this young man due to his African American ethnicity (there are millions of iPhones made and distributed annually and he has one) is the result of a woman acting on her biases (how many other iPhones might there have been in the hotel lobby).

After a year like 2020, let’s work to be kinder to one another. Let’s work to be intentional in reducing our racial biases. We can all become aware of racial biases (implicit or otherwise) that we may have. If you are a parent, and if you can imagine a stranger accosting your child, then we can all be concerned about the consequences of acting on our biases without just cause. Even if you are not a parent, you have family, friends, and others in your network that can be made to experience unfortunate moments, penalized for no other reason than due to their race/ethnicity. But most importantly, I encourage all of us to work to substitute our biased reactions to racial situations with non-biased reactions related to our Christian values. Let us work to identify people as God would, looking at the heart! Even if we believe that someone has our phone, I am sure that there are dozens of different ways that this circumstance could have ended better.

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