Local Testicular Cancer Survivor Shoots for a Hole in One

By Amelia Blades Steward
According to Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute, testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men, with nearly 10,000 new diagnoses each year in the United States. It is highly curable when it first develops, but can quickly spread if not treated promptly.
Andrew Dorbin of Preston, Maryland, is a husband, father, and testicular cancer survivor who hopes to educate men about the risks and symptoms of testicular cancer at the “Putts Fore! Nuts” miniature golf tournament on October 18th, 2025, from 11:30am to 5pm at Embers Island Mini-Golf in Ocean City, Maryland. The rain date will be October 25, 2025. Dorbin was diagnosed with late-stage testicular cancer (Choriocarcinoma) in the spring of 2023, which then metastasized to his lungs and abdomen. While undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his family, friends, and community, who rallied to support him and his family through his diagnosis and treatment. That experience of compassion and care lit a fire in him.
“During my longest inpatient stay at Johns Hopkins Hospital, I witnessed other patients facing their battle alone without the same support system I had. That was hard for me to stomach. It made me realize that I wanted to give back when I was able and build something that could offer strength, resources, and connection to others navigating their fight against testicular cancer,” states Dorbin.
“Honestly, I’m not particularly good at regular golf – I’m only there for my friend’s comic relief – but I’ve always enjoyed miniature golf and came up with this funny tournament name on one of the sickest days of my treatment,” he adds.
The idea eventually grew, and Dorbin founded the Wayfinders Testicular Health Fund, a component fund of Chesapeake Charities, Inc., a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The fund is focused on raising awareness, providing education, and building a supportive community fighting this disease. He is committed to making testicular health a topic that young men are not afraid to talk about and ensuring that no one faces cancer without a community standing beside them. The tournament is the first step to accomplishing that.
“I chose an amazing partner in Chesapeake Charities to help make my dream a reality. The money that was used to found this venture came from what was left over from my personal GoFundMe campaign, making this essentially a 100% community-funded initiative,” Dorbin adds.
The fund’s fundraising efforts will go toward community networking opportunities and mental health and wellness programs to ensure no one feels like they are facing the testicular cancer fight alone. Dorbin hopes his educational outreach will encourage young men to challenge the stigmas and pay attention to their health.
“We are encouraging our communities of young men, ages 14 to 35, to be aware of their bodies and to take action when something doesn’t feel right,” he states.
Dorbin reflects on his journey, sharing, “My journey almost ended before it started. When I found the lump, I almost didn’t act. It seems petty now, but I was worried about the cost of my health insurance deductible and thought it was nothing serious. Through the encouragement of a friend who was a nurse, I decided to get it checked out. If I had not acted as quickly as I did, I’m not sure I would be sitting here today.”
He shares that, like him, men in their early 20s and 30s feel they are invincible and that they will not develop any major medical issues.
“No one wants to go to the doctor when they are young. Also, I had never been shown how to correctly check myself for abnormalities in my testicles. Self-examination is key to early detection,” he adds.
Dorbin hopes that teens and adults will participate in the tournament while learning more about the disease and how to protect themselves and their loved ones. He shares that the event will also create community connection – helping people learn who the disease is affecting, what support people need, and connecting people to resources in the community.
“This event is going to be a blast. Participants can expect to play two rounds of mini-golf, all while challenging their knowledge, luck, and putting skills. Hole Hecklers – professional comedians will set up a mock sports casting both at one of the miniature golf holes and roast participants as they putt. We also have a variety of prizes and awards that will make the event enjoyable for everyone. For me, the best part is that you don’t have to be standing on the podium to walk away a winner,” Dorbin states.
In the future, Dorbin hopes that the Wayfinders Testicular Health Fund can support outings for survivors of testicular cancer and help build a community of survivors, since many men still suffer in silence with the stigma attached to the disease.
“This launch would not be possible without the incredible generosity of my friends, family, and neighbors here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Their belief in this mission, and in me, has carried me through the toughest years of my life,” he adds.
Sponsorships are still available for the event. Registration information and sponsorship opportunities are available at https://www.wayfindersthf.org/. Participants are limited and registration will be available online on September 18. Registration is non-refundable. For further information, contact Andrew Dorbin at wayfindersthf@gmail.com.