Motorcycles, Men’s Health and Meaning
With the engine of a survivor and the heart of an advocate, Brett Davison is riding hard for men’s health.
In 2020, while the world was navigating the uncertainties of COVID-19, Davison was facing an even more personal battle: stage 2B testicular cancer.
Cancer treatment was tough. Surgery recovery was bumpy. Chemotherapy wore him down. But it also brought him to Moffitt Cancer Center, where he found a purpose in helping others fight back.
Today, Davison is part of Moffitt’s IT department, working as a Microsoft Office 365 administrator and using his experience to support others facing similar battles.
“Working at Moffitt has fueled my passion for advocacy and awareness,” Davison said. “Being part of an organization that is so invested in patient care and education has inspired me to do more, especially for men’s health.”
Making a Difference
One of Davison’s core advocacy efforts is raising awareness about testicular cancer, an often-overlooked topic.
“Before my diagnosis, testicular cancer was something I knew existed but never truly understood. We don’t teach young men or boys about it the way we teach women about breast cancer, and it’s a gap I want to fill,” he said.
This drive to make a difference is part of why Davison participates in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, an annual event that unites motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.
“I hope that being open about my experiences, sharing my diagnosis, my treatments and even my scars, can encourage other men to be more vulnerable,” he said. “Men don’t always have the space to be open about these struggles, but we can be strong and still share our stories.”
Davison uses his love of motorcycles to help raise awareness of testicular cancer.
That desire to create space for openness comes from Davison’s own experience. In the early days of his cancer journey, he faced not only the physical effects of cancer but also the loneliness that often comes with it.
“During my treatment, the lack of community programs due to COVID made me feel isolated,” he explained. “That’s why I speak out now, to help create spaces where others can open up and feel less alone.”
‘Out There for a Cause’
Motorcycling became his way to rebuild that connection and purpose.
“Riders share an understanding that goes beyond the ride itself. We’re out there for a cause,” he said. “It’s the same kind of empathy and support I’ve found at Moffitt, first as a patient, now as a team member.”
For Davison, motorcycling reflects the journey back to health and the strength it took to get there.
“Riding after surgery was my reward for getting through treatment. Even now, riding is an empowering experience. It is a reminder that I’ve overcome a lot,” he added.
Davison uses riding as a platform to advocate for his health and the health of others. Proving that strength lies not just in surviving, but in speaking up, showing up and sharing the ride.
