Central/Western December 2023

Dear Dedicated Members of our ZERO Family,

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with so much gratitude for the amazing Central/Western champions, volunteers, teams, fundraisers, donors, and advocates who joined together as one united voice to create a better future for the prostate cancer community. Prostate cancer is a formidable opponent, but with supporters like you by our side, we are empowered to continue our mission with renewed determination. Your belief in our cause fuels our passion to make a difference and create a future where no one has to face the challenges of prostate cancer alone. Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, gratitude, and the knowledge that you have made a meaningful impact on the fight against prostate cancer.

With heartfelt thanks,
    Emily Sybrant, Regional Director, Central/Western Chapters

Champion Spotlight

Upper Midwest

We have some new champions in the Upper Midwest! Jason and Monica Gabrick as well as Sarah Tschida have joined from Minnesota! All three were new to the ZERO Twin Cities Run/Walk this year and boy did they make an impact! Jason was our mission speaker at the event this year and Sarah’s dad was able to throw out the 1st Pitch at the Minnesota Twins game! In addition to the three of them, Ann Baxter has joined our group of champions as well! Ann is one of our local pharma reps in Minnesota and has volunteered for the last two years at our Twin Cities Run/Walk. The registration table wouldn’t be the same without her! Last but most certainly not least, we welcomed a new Illinois Champion, State Representative, La Shawn K. Ford. La Shawn was instrumental in passing the Illinois HB 5318 which will increase access to prostate cancer screening in Illinois by removing deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or any other cost-sharing requirement. Please welcome them all!

Texas/Oklahoma

The Texas/Oklahoma Chapter would like to recognize Tammy and Jeff Holbert for their commitment to ZERO and ending prostate cancer. The Holberts have traveled across Texas and Oklahoma to support Run/Walks since 2018. From greeting staff at 5:30 am with McDonald’s coffee to setting up tents and jumping in to lead a warm-up when needed, their assistance knows no boundaries. If you haven’t heard Tammy sing the National Anthem, you are missing out. Thank you, Tammy and Jeff, we truly appreciate you.

Ryan and Anna Pessah have been at it again this Fall with their Hops & Handlebar community events. Every Sunday in November was spent at the Tipsy Putt where $1 from beer sold and mini golf played was donated back to ZERO.

ZERO Champion and 12-year prostate cancer survivor, Leonard Zasoski, put on a wonderful Bakersfield Run/Walk on November 5th. This year they had more patients and survivors than ever before. The community rallied together to make a real impact on the community.

Local Events/Advocacy/Health Equity

Upper Midwest

Our Miles for Money Fundraiser continues in the Upper Midwest with Scott and Katy Freitag. They recently made their way through the southern states of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas throughout November. To date, they have raised $111,248 and have educated many people along the way about the importance of early detection!

The Mustachio Bashio event was back again this year, taking New York by storm! This year our champions Alex Parker and Trevor Cohen opted for a night at the ballpark with the New York Islanders raising close to $3000 for our annual Grow & Give Campaign.

Central Midwest

Big thanks to the Iowa Wolves for hosting the “Hoops for Hope Game”

Texas/Oklahoma

Dawg Nation Droppin’ Dimes for Blue: Monday, December 4th Round Rock at Copperas Cove (Boys Varsity Basketball 7:00pm) & Tuesday, December 5th Killeen Ellison at Copperas Cove (Girls Varsity Basketball 6:30pm)

Fundraising Thank you to Our Pros4Care Participants This year, ZERO hosted the 15th Annual Pros4Care Golf Tournament and raised over $25,000 to support individuals and their families affected by prostate cancer. Thank you to ZERO Champion, Ed Varney, for his continued commitment to supporting prostate cancer patients in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area.

Social Media Connect with Us on Facebook Want to stay up to date on all things ZERO in your area? Follow us on Facebook so you can hear the latest updates on prostate cancer, local events, and how you can get involved in the fight to #EndProstate Cancer. » ZERO Prostate Cancer Upper Midwest Chapter» ZERO Central Midwest Chapter

Run/Walk Run/Walk Updates As our year comes to a close, we’d like to sincerely thank everyone who participated in our annual run/walk series. It’s a great way to raise awareness, come together as a community, and bring hope to prostate cancer patients everywhere. Read in-depth updates by region below. » Run/Walk Updates by Region

Support Groups New Support Groups Coming to Your Area Part of our mission here at ZERO is offering support every step of the way for our prostate cancer patients. We’re proud to offer new support groups in the following areas: Las Cruces, New Mexico Silicon Valley, California Rochester, Minnesota Lawrence, Kansas Wichita, Kansas » Find a Support Group