United for a Cure: Advocates Take a Stand on Capitol Hill to Fight Prostate Cancer

Our 2025 ZERO Prostate Cancer Advocacy Summit brought together a dedicated and passionate coalition of more than 150 prostate cancer patients, survivors, loved ones, healthcare providers, and community leaders to Capitol Hill. Together, they delivered a powerful message to Congressional Leaders: We are united in our mission to save lives, and we urgently need your help to make it happen!

ZERO’s Advocacy Summit is always a big three days. This year, our advocates walked innumerable steps (18,000 for me on Tuesday!) to over 200 scheduled meetings, and they did it all with infinite patience and cheer. It turns out that when you’re on a mission, all those blisters just fade away. 

In times of uncertainty, it’s crucial to know what we stand for, and at ZERO, our unwavering commitment lies with the brave patients and communities grappling with this devastating disease. Every day, we advocate fiercely for transformative policies that can profoundly impact lives through early detection, robust research investment, and expanded access to essential treatments and services. 

Advocates, including Brian Price from Missouri, Kevin Barger from South Carolina, and Darrell Wilson from Idaho, met personally with their local elected officials to share their powerful stories to inspire change and create better health outcomes for future generations of prostate cancer patients. 

Brian Price: 

When Brian’s doctor first mentioned a PSA test to him, he thought his doctor was talking about a public service announcement. Let that sink in. This single moment of confusion highlights a critical gap in public awareness about prostate cancer. With increased investment to the CDC, we can close these knowledge gaps, empower individuals with life-saving information, and ensure communities nationwide understand the importance of early detection. 

Kevin Barger: 

Kevin knew he was at risk for prostate cancer, yet at his annual physical, he declined screening–not because he didn’t want to be screened, but because he couldn’t afford the copay. A small but mighty $25 loan from a colleague changed Kevin’s life, allowing him to get screened and take control of his health. The PSA Screening for HIM Act will eliminate this financial barrier, ensuring more men can detect prostate cancer earlier, receive timely treatment, and live longer, healthier lives.

Darrell Wilson: 

The Precision Oncology Program for Prostate Cancer is transforming care for veterans like Darrell, providing access to cutting-edge diagnostics, breakthrough treatments, and pioneering clinical research. Through this program, Darrell received genomic testing that identified the most effective treatment for him—proving that when we invest in precision medicine, we save lives. But that’s not Darrell’s whole story; he also says he owes his life to the Prostate Cancer Research Program, which helped to develop at least two of the drugs that have helped him in his 8-year battle with advanced prostate cancer. 

Each of these stories is the reason why my advocacy colleagues and I work tirelessly to build support in Congress–one Member at a time. These Members hail from both red states and blue states, represent rural, urban, and suburban communities, and encompass all races and ethnicities. We need their support to fight prostate cancer and save lines. 

Our mission at ZERO is more than just a movement; we are a united force for good, fully committed to making a difference and fostering hope for a healthier future. With 3.3 million prostate cancer survivors standing with us, we are a beacon of hope for a world where prostate cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and no longer a threat to the men and families we love. 

The Advocacy Summit isn’t the end of our work—it’s the beginning of each yearlong effort to move our priorities forward. And it’s the best way to start the year—with the honor of standing beside each of our remarkable advocates as they turn their stories into progress on behalf of the next generation of prostate cancer patients.