Twin brothers Juan and Gil Diaz faced a unique challenge when both were diagnosed with prostate cancer within months of each other. Deciding to support one another, they underwent surgery on the same day at AdventHealth Celebration in Florida.
Juan was first diagnosed in December 2024 after routine testing showed elevated PSA levels. Three months later, he had open-heart surgery. “I was scared,” Juan said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to die.’ But I made it through my heart surgery, and I told myself, if I did my heart, I can do my prostate.”
Gil, who lives in Puerto Rico, decided to get tested after learning about his brother’s diagnosis. “When he told me, I knew I also had to check,” Gil said. “And sure enough, I had it too.” The brothers reunited in Florida for their surgeries.
“It brought us closer,” Juan said. “It was like a family reunion, but this time, we were starting a new chapter together.” Gil added: “We were born together, and now we’re healing together.”
The decision to have surgery at AdventHealth Celebration came after Gil’s son researched options and recommended the facility based on its expertise. “My son read about the surgeon and said, ‘This is the doctor who’s going to save your life,’” Gil explained.
Their surgeon was Dr. Vipul Patel, known for performing nearly 20,000 robotic prostatectomies and recently leading a telesurgery in Angola that expanded access to advanced care internationally.
“Even though they’re twins, every prostate is different,” Dr. Patel stated. “Every anatomy is slightly different, and often the cancers are different too. So we approach each case individually.”
Patel noted the importance of mutual support during treatment: “It’s always unique where two guys are really bonded together and go through the journey together… You really do have a partner, and they can move forward together.”
To avoid confusion during pre-operation procedures due to their identical status as twins, hospital staff staggered their preparations. Afterward they met again during recovery. “I was doing my post-op walk when I saw him coming in on the bed,” Gil recalled.
Both brothers previously served in the Army National Guard—an experience that shaped their outlook throughout treatment. “The military makes a man,” Juan reflected.
Now recovered from surgery, they look forward to caring for their elderly father and encourage others not to delay screening or follow-up appointments for prostate health concerns.
Dr. Patel emphasized: “All men over 50 should get yearly PSA testing and physical screening of the prostate. If you’re African-American or have a family history, start around age 40. Screening saves lives.”
AdventHealth Orlando has been serving patients since its founding in 1908 in Orlando; it offers specialized care including pediatric services and medical training programs under current president Terry Shaw.
For more information about cancer screenings or resources available at AdventHealth Cancer Institute visit their website.
