Tacoma Rotarian and cancer survivor gives back to care teams

For more than 30 years, retired commercial banker Greg Rolsma has been involved in the South Sound community. Since 2004, he’s been an active member of Rotary Club of Tacoma #8, and he’s also served on the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County.

But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rolsma’s volunteerism was briefly put on hold when his health took a turn. Two years ago, he visited his MultiCare Health System primary care physician (PCP) and received a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which is used to look for possible signs of prostate cancer. Alarmingly, his PSA numbers had jumped.

Rolsma’s PCP referred him to urologist Douglas Sutherland, MD, FACS, at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital. After rounds of testing and a biopsy, Rolsma learned he had prostate cancer.

As the most common cancer among men, prostate cancer can be a serious disease. Fortunately, the American Cancer Society reports that it can often be treated successfully, and more than 3.1 million men in the U.S. who have been diagnosed are still alive today.

           Greg Rolsma

Journey at MultiCare Regional Cancer Center

Through MultiCare’s partnership with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) — which helps South Sound cancer patients access the latest research and treatment options — Rolsma was connected to specialists at SCCA and University of Washington Medical Center, as well as MultiCare radiologists.

To navigate his diagnosis, Rolsma began diligently researching his treatment options to find what best fit his goals, values and wishes. During the process, he spoke to others who had experienced a cancer diagnosis.

“I reached out to people I didn’t even know; more people are touched by cancer than I ever realized,” he recalls. “I talked to many people, and I was amazed so many people were so willing to share their experience and what they went through.”

While looking into options such as prostate brachytherapy (a form of radiation therapy) and prostatectomy (surgery to remove all or part of the prostate gland), Rolsma encountered staff who left a lasting impression.

“I met with a radiologist at MultiCare who was absolutely wonderful — Dr. Awad Ahmed,” he shares. “I was impressed with him because we had a virtual call one day, and the next day he saw me in person. He talked to me about my options and what could be done from the radiology point of view.”

After getting advice from his care team, friends and colleagues, Rolsma ultimately chose a prostatectomy. On Dec. 22, 2021, he went in for surgery, then spent two nights in the hospital.

Throughout his stay, doctors, nurses and other staff brought peace of mind.

“The care I got was wonderful,” he recalls. “The people were very caring. When I met with Dr. Sutherland, one of the questions I asked was if he was going to personally do the entire procedure. And he said, ‘I’ll be there the entire time, and everything will be under my direction.’”

Inspired to give back

Just 60 days after his procedure, Rolsma was back doing the things he loves, such as golfing and participating in Rotary. And he’s happy to report his PSA numbers have fallen to an undetectable level.

Following his procedure, a new project called Rotary CARES presented an opportunity to pay it forward and lift up local hospital staff for their critical work during the pandemic and beyond. Starting in January 2022, Rotarians across Pierce County made weekly visits to emergency departments at local facilities, showing staff their gratitude with a card and gift of appreciation.

“Several of the Rotary clubs in the area decided they wanted to do something to show appreciation for health care workers,” Rolsma explains. “We (Rotary Club of Tacoma #8) took the month of March for MultiCare. We put together treats and snacks like apples and bananas and delivered them to the contact people.”

In March alone, Tacoma Rotarians made four visits to emergency department staff at MultiCare Tacoma General and Allenmore hospitals, dropping by on weekends to say thank you.

The Rotary clubs’ continued support of our South Sound health care workers is a reminder of the commitment our care teams make every day, helping our South Sound friends and neighbors — like Rolsma — heal.

“I’m so grateful for the care we get,” he says. “We get world-class care right here in Tacoma.”