What's a Nuts & Bolts Guide?
A Nuts & Bolts Guide is a volunteer testicular cancer mentor. It’s someone who has either had testicular cancer before or has supported a loved one through the journey (like a family member, friend or caregiver). All Guides have been given specific training by us on how to listen, be supportive and have your back.
Hands-on support
Guides are available in various countries, and some can be reached through phone, email or even in-person catch-ups. Once you sign up and get paired with your new mentor, it's really up to you two to figure out how you'd like to connect, at whatever frequency works best.
Keep in mind—Nuts & Bolts guides are awesome, but they aren't a substitute for your doctor or care team.
Emotional support and talking it out
Dealing with testicular cancer can bring up a range of feelings you didn’t know you had. If you just need someone to hear you out, a guide is great to reach out to.
If things are getting pretty heavy for you, please talk to your doctor or care team and let them know what's on your mind. You can also read up on getting mental and emotional health support here.
Why these guys became Guides
Personal testicular cancer stories from Nuts & Bolts guides
Hear from Ben
Ben was looking for ways to use his testicular cancer experience to give back to others. Listen to him chat about why becoming a guide was important to him.
Hear from Adam
"Just to be able to share that experience with someone understanding exactly what you went through, is really helpful." Listen to Adam share how he gives back to the community, by being a guide.
Coping with cancer can be easier with a Guide
No doubt, people like family and friends are incredibly valuable on this journey. But not everyone has a close support system to talk to - and that's where Nuts & Bolts Guides come in. Reaching out to someone who "gets it" can help ease some of the stress and anxiety that testicular cancer can bring.
Want to be a Guide?
We’re looking for people willing to lead the charge. People who’ve had testicular cancer before or have supported someone with testicular cancer (like a family member, friend or caregiver) are welcome to answer the call. You don’t have to be a doctor or therapist—just be you. You can make all the difference in someone’s life, just by listening, sharing and being there for the tough times.
Your nuggets of wisdom will help us create better tools and resources for the testicular cancer community — and we thank you.
