When Marshfield resident Donald Plevka was diagnosed with stage four metastatic prostate cancer earlier this year, the news was crushing.
“My first thought was, whatever happened to stage one, two and three? Had y’all missed that?” he recalled with a wry chuckle. But rather than letting the diagnosis defeat him, Plevka channeled his energy into creating something for others facing the same fight… a local cancer support group.
The group now meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Marshfield Senior Center and is open to anyone impacted by cancer, whether they are patients, survivors, caregivers, or family members. Plevka emphasized that caregivers often need just as much support as those undergoing treatment.
“Caregivers probably go through worse than the person who actually has the cancer,” he said.
Plevka’s inspiration to start the group came after receiving a newsletter from State Representative John Black, which listed a number of local support resources, but not one specifically for cancer. After realizing that’s something he might be interested in having locally, he decided to do something to help.
“I thought, well, maybe I could start one,” he explained. “That way anyone in Webster County who needs a resource like that wouldn’t have to leave Webster County to find it.”
After discussions with the Senior Center director and board members, the idea quickly took root.
The monthly meetings include open discussion, educational resources, and guest speakers. Plevka often brings along articles, books, and materials from his own research, including The Cancer Battle Plan book, which he uses as a guide to cover topics like nutrition, detoxifying the body, and maintaining morale. Each month, the group works through a new chapter together.
The sessions also highlight alternative therapies and local wellness resources. For example, speakers from hospice and palliative care organizations have attended, as well as representatives from local wellness centers.
“Every month there’s been somebody to give a presentation,” Plevka said. “You learn something new, whether it’s medical, emotional, or even faith-based.”
Faith, he added, is an important part of his personal journey.
“I’ve got my church praying for me, my sister’s church, and the people at the senior center. Their churches are praying for me. I’m covered,” Plevka said.
While Plevka is realistic about his prognosis, he says the group has become about more than just his own fight. It’s a way for local residents to come together, share their experiences, and discover what options exist close to home.
“Most people, when they do get hit with this diagnosis, have no idea what to do, where to go, what’s available,” he said. “I wanted people here in Marshfield and Webster County to have a local option.”
The next cancer support group meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Marshfield Senior Center. Anyone affected by cancer in any capacity is encouraged to attend.
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