A Year of Growth, Change, and Renewed Purpose: Reflecting on My First Year as CEO of ZERO

Dear ZERO Community,

As I sit down to write this blog on the eve of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I'm struck by how quickly a year has passed since I stepped into the role of CEO at ZERO Prostate Cancer. It's been a year of tremendous growth, significant change, and - most importantly - a renewed sense of purpose in our mission to save and improve the lives of those impacted by prostate cancer.

When I joined ZERO, I shared with you my personal connection to this cause: my father's journey with prostate cancer. I told you how, for years, he had been my "plus one" at countless events supporting my cancer journey. Now, I’ve had the opportunity to be here for him and all the patients, survivors, and families affected by prostate cancer. That personal connection has been my guiding light throughout this transformative year. You also might remember that I’ve been trying to live the motto of “proud, but dissatisfied.” I am so very proud of the work we do every day at ZERO - work that can’t be done without your support and passion - but as long as people die from this disease, and as long as support group leaders share stories of fear, isolation, and systemic access issues at our annual training - well, there is just so much more work to do.

Change is never easy, and I want to acknowledge that this year has brought its share of challenges. We've transitioned from a close-knit family feel to a more structured, team-oriented approach - a necessary step to amplify our impact and reach more people affected by prostate cancer. I gave this example recently: “A family's greatest priority is to protect itself. A team’s greatest priority is to work together to achieve something greater than themselves.” And as long as there are people who don’t know about ZERO, don’t know they’re at risk, or who die unnecessarily when we could have helped them, then we have to reach outside ourselves. We've adopted more strategic approaches to fulfill our mission more effectively: more measurement, more strategic choices about how we raise and how we spend our dollars effectively, and more accountability - from the board to the staff person who started this week. 

I want to address this head-on: yes, we are operating more like a business – because that's what it takes to save more lives. It’s also what it will take to scale the organization to the next level - moving us to heights that every single person I’ve spoken to in the past year has told me they’d like us to reach. It's about maximizing every dollar, every hour, and every effort to save more lives. Our mission is too important, and the stakes are too high for us to operate any other way. But let me be clear - becoming more efficient and strategic doesn't mean losing our heart. If anything, it means we're more committed than ever to making a real, measurable impact in the fight against prostate cancer.

This year, we've launched several new initiatives that I'm incredibly proud of:

New Key Impacts: Everything we now do at ZERO is tied to the key impacts

• Reducing late-stage diagnoses
• Helping those with prostate cancer live longer and better lives
• Reducing mortality from prostate cancer

These focus points help us keep our eyes on the prize and focus on what we do and how we do it. 

ZERO PLUS ONE: Our new program this October focuses on empowering caregivers and care partners, because we know that when partners are empowered, patient outcomes improve. If you have someone in your life with prostate cancer, this is an event for you.

Summit Leaders Program: If ZERO is going to be bigger and louder, then we’ll need more advocates with the training to help us. Grassroots advocacy is growing at ZERO, and we hope you’ll join us. 

New Mission Volunteer and Engagement Department: We’re doubling down on supporting the work that volunteers do in our communities and we will be providing resources, training, and support for them. Stay tuned as the new program officially launches in early 2025. 

Renewed Commitment to Health Equity: We’ve been a little quiet as we’ve been refocusing our work in this space. We hope to announce one of the largest initiatives for communities at greatest risk in ZERO’s history soon. 

Fundraise Your Own Way: Some of you might not live in a community with a ZERO Run/Walk, or maybe you just like to support ZERO from your couch on your phone. We’ve made it easier than ever to join us - and there’s no time like Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!

As we move forward, I promise you this: while our methods may evolve, our commitment remains unchanged. We are still the same passionate, caring community that has been fighting prostate cancer for years. We're just better equipped now to make an even bigger impact. I know that change can be uncomfortable. But I ask you to remember why we're all here. We're here for the father who just received a diagnosis and doesn't know where to turn. We're here for the son who's trying to navigate treatment options for his dad. We're here for the partner who feels helpless watching their loved one struggle. And we're here for the man who's facing this disease alone, ensuring that he knows he has a community behind him.

To our volunteers, donors, and champions who have been with us for years: thank you. Your dedication and passion are the foundation upon which we're building. We need you now more than ever. Your stories, your experiences, your connections in the community – these are irreplaceable assets in our fight.

As we enter this new year, I'm filled with optimism and determination. We have ambitious goals, and with your continued support and involvement, I know we can achieve them. Let's keep talking, keep innovating, and keep fighting – together, we can end prostate cancer.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and there's no better time to amplify our mission. Here are ways you can make a difference:

• Spread Awareness: Share your story or ZERO's educational resources on social media using #ZEROStrong. Every post helps raise vital awareness.
• Participate in a ZERO Run/Walk: Join one of our community events across the country. I’ll be there next weekend in Atlanta and in a few weeks in Chicago. Can't attend in person? Sign up for our virtual race!
• Make a Donation: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fund critical research and support services.
• Host a Fundraiser: Organize a local event or start an online fundraising campaign to support ZERO's mission.

Together, we can turn awareness into action. 

Thank you for an incredible first year. Here's to many more as we work toward a future free from prostate cancer.

With gratitude and determination,

Courtney Bugler
President & CEO