ZEROHour Newsletter: May 2020
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COVID-19 Prostate Cancer Resources

As the COVID-19 crisis continues, ZERO is here for prostate cancer patients and families. We have free patient support programs and resources to address the specific and urgent needs of the prostate cancer community during this pandemic.
Here’s how ZERO can help you right now:
ZERO360 Comprehensive Patient Support:
Get FREE live assistance from experienced case managers, ready to help patients and families during this COVID-19 crisis to provide access to financial assistance, debt relief, insurance navigation, and benefit enrollment. Visit the ZERO360 website or call (844) 244-1309.
ZERO Connect:
Join our online Facebook group to get support from a community of patients and caregivers nationwide who have been impacted by prostate cancer.
ZERO MENtor:
If you are a patient who is looking for one-on-one peer support, get matched with an individual MENtor who can provide personal guidance and counsel.
Caregiver Connector:
ZERO’s newly launched program, Caregiver Connector, is here to help caregivers in this time of increased isolation. Caregiver Mentors can offer their experiences and insights to help caregivers care for themselves and their loved ones.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources:
ZERO is frequently updating our website with timely information and resources regarding COVID-19 to help the prostate cancer community through this difficult time. Access webinars, videos, FAQs, and more

WOW! You helped raise $50,000 to help patients

WOW! The prostate cancer community stepped up big on the first-ever Giving Tuesday Now! Thanks to our many generous donors, we crushed our $25,000 goal, which means that with our match, more than $50,000 will help support patients both financially and emotionally. Hundreds of donations came in from all across the country!
All the funds raised go to our COVID-19 Support Fund, so these donations are more critical than ever. These donations will help patients in need who are struggling through this crisis. And great news — our match continues through June 30, so you can still make a difference for patients who need your help! Donate today.
If you missed any of our full day of programming, head to ZERO’s main Facebook page to catch up on all the videos and live interviews with patients, survivors, and caregivers. There’s even a yoga class and a mini-concert from Nashville recording artist, Jimmy Charles.

Join ZERO’s first-ever virtual celebrations!
ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walks in Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C. are going VIRTUAL on June 20!

While we may not be able to meet in person, we can still come together online to support and celebrate local prostate cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates. With your help, we know we can make a difference and bring our community together to rally support for vulnerable prostate cancer patients. Our first-ever virtual event will feature some of the best aspects of our Run/Walks including a COVID-19 update with our urology and other event partners, a celebration of our amazing fundraisers, and a ceremony to honor those we are #ZEROStrong for and are fighting for.
Not based in the D.C. or Salt Lake City areas? No problem! You can still join in the fun. Registration is free for ALL participants, regardless of location. Let’s come together as one nationwide prostate cancer community!

Maryland Passes Historic Prostate Cancer Legislation

With the help of Maryland Champions, ZERO led the effort to make Maryland the second state nationwide to remove cost-sharing such as co-pays for prostate cancer screenings. This new policy will go into effect in 2021, and apply to men ages 40-75.
Prostate cancer screenings can save lives, as early detection is critical. Special thanks to Senator Malcolm Augustine, Delegate Erek Barron, and the 29 sponsors of House Bill 852/Senate Bill 661 for championing this cause. ZERO also thanks the many Maryland advocates (pictured here) who passionately testified on behalf of this bill. Because of their hard work and dedication, many men in Maryland will now be eligible to receive prostate cancer screenings at no cost. By removing financial barriers in the form of co-pays or other fees, more men can receive life-saving screening early, when it counts the most.
Maryland has set an example for other states to follow. Want to help create prostate cancer policies in your area? Sign up for ZERO’s legislative alerts.

Increasing 2020 Tax Deductions with the CARES Act

Get a tax deduction next year when you donate to support prostate cancer patients through the COVID-19 crisis! New for 2020, giving to ZERO can reduce your taxable income, even if you don’t itemize. Be sure to ask your tax advisor about it these general details from the coronavirus economic stimulus bill (CARES Act) that was passed last month:
“Above-the-line” Deductions
- New in 2020, the 9 out of 10 taxpayers who don’t itemize their returns will be able to claim a deduction for certain gifts to ZERO, in addition to the standard deduction.
- Individual taxpayers can deduct up to $300, and up to $600 for married couples.
- You can make a qualifying gift right now, or apply other gifts you’ve made this year.
- For matched donations, only the portion paid by the taxpayer may be deducted
Itemized Deductions
- The cap on charitable giving line items is increasing for gifts made to ZERO in 2020
- Individual taxpayers can now deduct the full value of their donations instead of the previous limit (60% of adjusted gross income).
- For workplace donations, corporations may deduct up to 25% of taxable income, up from the previous limit of 10%.
- For matched donations, only the portion paid by the taxpayer may be deducted
ZERO provides tax-compliant receipts for donations, and if you give before June 30, your donation will be doubled by the ZERO COVID-19 Support Fund, a lifeline for patients who’ve been impacted by the pandemic crisis.

Champions Corner

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Tracy Morgan is THE MAN!
Tracy Morgan is a stage IV prostate cancer patient in Illinois. COVID-19 and being at home isn’t slowing him down! Tracy had a mustache and full head of hair for decades, but decided to host a fundraiser for ZERO where if he raised $1,500 he’d shave into a mohawk! Lucky for patients in need, Tracy’s efforts were more than successful — he’s raised over $12,000! Thanks for your bravery and voice, Tracy!
» Watch Tracy Get a Mohawk for Prostate Cancer!
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Webinar

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Save the Date: June 9 Webinar on Side Effects
Many prostate cancer patients face challenges with sexual intimacy and other side effects as a result of their diagnosis. An upcoming webinar from Boston Scientific features expert insight from physicians and will provide you with information about opportunities to improve outcomes and reduce side effects caused by prostate cancer and their treatments.
» Register Now for this FREE webinar
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Honoring Mom

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Belated Mother’s Day Gifts and Father’s Day Gifts
Running late on a Mother’s Day gift? Don’t worry, we won’t tell. Ahead of the curve in getting a Father’s Day gift? Way to go! Whatever your need, the ZERO store has you covered with gifts for the whole family. Shop by June 10 and use code GIFT to receive a 10% discount on your purchase.
» Get a gift at the ZERO store today
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Get Involved

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Virtual Summer Internships at ZERO
Calling all students or recent grads! Don’t know what to do this summer, or looking to buff up your resume with professional experience? ZERO is hiring summer interns! Interns will work remotely alongside ZERO’s professional staff, and gain valuable workplace skills while helping men and families.
» Apply for a virtual internship today
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