He’s 82 years old and nothing will slow him down.
Soap opera legend Eric Braeden was told he had prostate cancer shortly after recovering from knee surgery, but in spite of the daunting road ahead, he’s determined to beat the disease, and he’s helping others along the way.
Sharing With His Fans
Eric took to Facebook live on April 21 with a 13-minute video that explained his current health diagnosis.
The star is a familiar face to generations of fans that have watched him play the role of Victor Newman for four decades on “The Young and the Restless.”
His message was both relatable and inspiring.
"Whilst recuperating from the knee surgery, I began to have problems with my prostate," he said. "I hate to be this personal, but I think this may be good for some older guys who may or may not listen to this. It’ll happen to them,” he said to his fans.
"Your prostate grows as you grow older. Period," he said. "Everything grows. All the wrong things grow as you grow older. My prostate, I'd had some problems with it before. It manifests itself by you having to pee a lot. And it got to the point where I had to get up almost every half hour,” he said.
The Initial Confusion
The famous actor described his experience by informing fans that he wasn’t receiving the medical information and support that he needed from his first doctor. That doctor reportedly ran tests, but didn’t discover the disease.
Eric took matters into his own hands and sought the assistance of a second medical professional, and was finally able to start his road to recovery.
He underwent the same tests with the second doctor, and was promptly diagnosed.
"The same methodology used by the other urologist, but six weeks prior. And he looks at it … and he says, 'That spot on the screen.' He says, 'You have cancer.”
Eric’s new doctor proposed a Urolift procedure to remove the cancer. Right from that moment, he knew he would face this situation head-on, and do all he could to overcome the disease.
Facing His Diagnosis Head-On
"Needless to say, I was taken aback, but I was determined to deal with it," Braeden said in his Facebook Live video.
A week after his surgery, a biopsy revealed that there were still some cancer cells that needed further treatment, and Eric is now preparing to undergo immunotherapy.
He told his fans that he has made amendments to his lifestyle and workout routine, in order to embrace the changes in his body. He described himself as being an athlete and admitted it was tough for him to adjust.
"Difficult to learn to slow down," he explained. "To do it, but do less of it. That there’s always this ambition where you got to go hard. Just do it. And I’ve learned now to listen to my body more and not go all out."
In spite of all the medical setbacks and physical adjustments to his lifestyle, Eric remains positive and is tackling each step of his healing process with sheer determination to beat cancer.
"I will lick this," he said.
Sheer Determination
"This pass at it ain't gonna get me. I'm gonna get it, alright? And I'll be in top form again soon,” he told his fans.
Eric loves acting and doesn’t want to stop. He’s continuing with is work and took a moment to humbly thank his fans and loved ones for the support they have shown him during this challenging time.
He was visibly emotional at the end of his video. As he courageously faces his recovery process, the famous actor is also looking out for his fans and the members of the general public.
He signed off with a powerful message to anyone facing a serious health battle, and he infused positivity and hope into situations that can sometimes seem stifling.
"So if any of you have someone in the family who goes through this, support them," he said. "It can work out."
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.