As part of his annual physical with Dr. Tom Brand in February 2025, Jon Greenberg had standard blood tests plus a PSA screening, which detects the presence of prostate cancer. It’s a screening that most men begin having around age 50.
“My PSA number was high, so Dr. Brand had me repeat the test,” recalled Jon. “The number was even higher the second time, so he sent me to Dr. Peter Leonovicz, a urologist at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. He immediately scheduled me for an MRI and a biopsy of my prostate gland, which confirmed I had cancer. It was staggering news, but Dr. Leonovicz immediately reassured me that the cancer had been caught early, and I would be okay.”
Jon had two options for treatment. He could have a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or undergo radiation therapy to target and kill the cancer.
“Dr. Leonovicz recommended a prostatectomy because of the potential side effects of radiation, but he was very clear that it was my decision. I talked it over with my wife and ultimately decided removal would be the best choice. I wanted to expedite getting the cancer out of my body.”
Jon, who’s the President of the Milwaukee Admirals Hockey Club, was able to schedule his surgery in July so he didn’t have to miss his daughter’s graduation from St. Norbert College or any of the hockey season.
At the same time as the prostatectomy, Jon also had a hernia repaired.
“Both procedures went very well. My entire care team was fantastic; the nurses were especially good at putting me and my family at ease,” he shared. “I also learned the anesthesiologist went to the same high school as I did, so we had some camaraderie.”
After surgery, Jon spent some time recovering at Aurora St. Luke’s. His wife and daughter were by his side for his follow-up appointment with Dr. Leonovicz.
“He told me the cancer was gone. It was such a massive weight off my shoulders and mind. When he left the room, I broke down. It was an emotional and powerful moment in my journey.”
Raising awareness
Now, Jon is an advocate for annual exams and early cancer screening.
“We started a program with the Admirals called ’Screenings with Greenie.’ It’s a way to encourage people to see their doctors at least once a year. If you find out everything is fine, you can move on,” said Jon. “But if there’s something wrong, you can get it taken care of before it becomes a much more significant issue.”
The Admirals hosted two ‘Screenings with Greenie’ events this past season with the first this year slated for Dec. 11 as part of the annual Hockey Fights Cancer initiative. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit Aurora Cancer Care.
In addition, Jon participated in a special baseball bat auction and fundraiser hosted by the Lakeshore Chinooks in partnership with Aurora Health Care Foundation. He also spoke at an Aurora Cancer Care donor appreciation event in September.
“There was a panel of doctors, including my primary care physician, Dr. Brand. They emphasized the importance of early detection and preventative screenings. When I went to my appointment last February, I had no symptoms and no idea what was happening in my body. If Dr. Brand hadn’t included that test, it could have been a very different outcome. I’m eternally grateful to Dr. Brand and everyone who’s cared for me on this journey.”
How you can help
Aurora Health Care’s cancer programs and services are supported by philanthropy. To help patients like Jon on their cancer journeys, please make a gift today.