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Critical Support for the Prostate Cancer Community During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ilana Ostrin
202-657-2249
ilana@zerocancer.org

30 days for 30 thousand

ZERO CEO calls this September the most important ever

Washington, D.C. — Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (PCAM) starts September 1. Throughout PCAM, ZERO Prostate Cancer — the nation’s leading nonprofit in the fight against the disease — is providing patients, survivors, caregivers, and families with much-needed support, resources, and education.

It is more critical than ever to engage and support patients and their families who are also navigating the chaos and heartbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prostate cancer has not stopped — every 16 minutes another American man dies from prostate cancer. With COVID-19’s negative impact on men’s ability to receive treatment for prostate cancer, there is a new level of urgency to raise awareness and help patients know they don’t need to face this disease alone.

As the COVID-19 outbreak persists, patients and their families are feeling the weight of their cancer diagnosis with more uncertainty, fear, and stress than ever. A recent survey from ZERO found that patients are feeling even more stressed, anxious, and uncertain about their health and financial stability than they did prior to the start of COVID-19. About a quarter of patients have seen disruptions in their prostate cancer care, and over 60 percent are limited to telemedicine visits and denied in-person check-ups. 

“During a time of global pandemic, and in a year with the highest number of prostate cancer deaths in two decades, it’s absolutely vital to stay connected with the prostate cancer community, and provide critical support to patients, caregivers, and survivors,” said Jamie Bearse, ZERO CEO. “Together, we can make a life-saving difference for patients and families who love them during this difficult time.”

To aid patients during this troubling time, ZERO is going “30 for 30” to raise $30,000 for patients in 30 days. Every donation made in September will be doubled to go toward our COVID-19 Support Fund to help struggling patients during these challenging times. From personalized case management through ZERO360 to providing peer-to-peer support with trained MENtors, ZERO’s free support programs are helping patients emotionally, financially, and physically.
 

Additionally, ZERO is turning the calendar blue with weekly virtual events. In partnership with urology practices across the country, ZERO has taken more than 40 events online! Every weekend in September, the prostate cancer community will have multiple opportunities to connect and be celebrated, while in the safety of their own homes. ZERO Virtual Run/Walks will celebrate the below communities:

  • September 12 – Twin Cities, St. Louis, Chicago, Omaha, Boston, Hartford, Rhode Island
  • September 13 – Baltimore, Philly, Syracuse
  • September 19 – Los Angeles, Coachella Valley, San Diego, Bakersfield, Napa Valley, San Francisco, Sacramento
  • September 20 – Tyler, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City
  • September 25 – Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg
  • September 26 – Seattle, Portland, Augusta, South Florida
  • September 27 – Des Moines, Kansas City

Attendees are encouraged to get creative from home with their participation and share photos of their awareness or fundraising efforts on social media using the hashtag #ZEROstrong. Tune in to ZERO’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn), as they will be used to educate the prostate cancer community and newcomers alike with an awareness campaign centered around debunking #MondayMyths and informing #FridayFacts.


About ZERO Prostate Cancer

ZERO Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. ZERO advances research, provides support, and creates solutions to achieve health equity to meet the most critical needs of our community. From early detection to survivorship, ZERO is the premier resource for prostate cancer patients and their families to access comprehensive support, make meaningful connections, and take action to save lives. Our dedicated national and chapter staff is joined with a growing team of passionate volunteer champions to increase advocacy, awareness, and community engagement to ZERO out prostate cancer. ZERO is recognized with four out of four stars by Charity Navigator and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. ZERO spends more on programs than any other prostate cancer charity, dedicating 85 cents of every dollar to support, education, and research.

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