The Coalition's 2nd Step
North Texas Prostate Cancer Coalition (NTXPCC) is based upon a website created in late spring of 2008. The original purpose of this website was to communicate monthly events of local prostate cancer support groups and of other events related to prostate cancer. By the end of 2008, seven support groups within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex had joined. At a first meeting on February 17, 2009, the members agreed to work as a coalition, pursuing three programs as the main projects for the first year of the Coalition (see bottom of page). The Prostate Cancer Awareness Program (PCAP) in Tyler joined the Coalition in June 2010.An organizational meeting was held on October 21, 2009 resulting in the election of three (3) Directors, as required for the filing of incorporation with the State of Texas. The Directors were Tom Dillon, Justin Sucato and Wolfram Blattner. Current Bod members are Terrence Ates, Wolfram Blattner, Tom Dillon, Bruce Stahl, Terry Theiss, Gregg Wallace, and Bob Williams; Bruce and Gregg assumed the functions of treasurer and secretary for the Coalition, respectively. NTXPCC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
In addition to expanding existing programs, NTXPCC is getting involved with Health Fairs and started a survivor-manned Patient Resource Center in Fort Worth. Currently, Tom Dillon is taking care of Health Fairs, while Wolfram is coordinating Coalition programs (Coalition Website and Coalition Programs).
Screening Support
The Screening Support program has met its initial goals:- Flyers for upcoming screening events were distributed during our first Speakers' Event, a Men's Health Fair at a Church in Mesquite and at Dad Fest.
- A large number of volunteers was made available for all screening events during 2010, including the Cowtown Cruisin' for a Cure carshow in Fort Worth, screenings at Baylor and Medical City hospitals in both Dallas and Plano, as well as two screening events organized by Urology Research and education Foundation.
- In addition to providing volunteers, multiple presentations on Early Detection of Prostate Cancer were provided during screening events at Baylor and Medical City hospitals. Presenters were Tom Dillon, Wolfram Blattner, Val Herrera and Justin Sucato.
Poster Program
Coalition programs can't do without the assistance of flyers, posters and brochures. In addition to flyers passed out for screening support and a flyer advertising coalition capabilities, a brochure entitled (Get Educated About Prostate Cancer) as well as information on Coalition program was printed and distributed to physicians working at hospitals affiliated with our Coalitions. The Coalition flyer (PDF) is available to be distributed by any member of our support groups.Working Groups
The first Working Group was initiated in March 2009 for "men with increasing PSA after treatment" at Baylor Dallas with survivors attending from across the Metroplex.A second Working Group for Newly Diagnosed was initiated at Medical City Dallas.
Initial Speaker Event
The first speaker event of the coalition was off to a good start. It was held April 12 at the Knights of Columbus in Plano. The session was presented by Justin Sucato who talked about the value of early detection in the treatment of prostate cancer. The session was well attended with over 50 men applauding the presentation. The presentation is available to church and men's groups within the Metroplex and is also available in combination with screening events to medical institutions affiliated with our Coalition.Working Towards a CoalitionChairpersons of the Prostate Cancer Information and Support groups in the Metroplex met on February 17, 2009 to vote on programs to augment the individual group efforts in three areas. The three programs reviewed at the meeting were selected by the chairpersons from a list of seven. All three of the programs were voted to proceed to implementation. They are:The Speakers' Bureau - This program will provide basic information and insights from prominent survivors on the importance of early detection in a presentation to healthy men’s social and religious organizations. The program was implemented in April and is also used in support of screening programs. "Working Groups" - This program will bring together men from all of the area groups with similar stage PC to share information, knowledge and experience. Another Working Group in progress is for newly diagnosed men. Screening Support - Survivors need to be more involved as volunteers for |  Coalition Intentions |
screening events: before, during and after the event. The program was implemented in time to support June screenings at Dadfest and at the Men's Health Day at Baylor, Plano in June.
Our first Combined Speaker program was added on September 1, 2009 in combination with the 1st Annual PC Survivor Celebration event held by Baylor/Dallas. Publicity efforts by the Coalition resulted in an attendance of about 150 survivors and spouses. Leaders and survivors from all support groups were present. A second Survivor Celebration in 2010 attracted close to 200 survivors and spouses.
Health Fair Support - NTXPCC is supporting Health Fairs. We served a number of Health Fairs approaching us to participate. We will increase Health Fair support efforts as soon as we find more volunteers.
Long Term Survivor Program - The Long Term Survivor program was implemented to better serve fellow survivors with specific emphasis towards men who are the most underserved: the newly diagnosed. In addition to workshops and classes specifically addressing newly diagnosed men, we created a list of long-term survivors willing to share their personal experience with their own treatments and side effects. Similarly, we offer a chat room (Let's Talk on Tuesday ... about Prostate Cancer) where newly diagnosed and newly treated patients can meet with LTS members face to face.
Our first Combined Speaker program was added on September 1, 2009 in combination with the 1st Annual PC Survivor Celebration event held by Baylor/Dallas. Publicity efforts by the Coalition resulted in an attendance of about 150 survivors and spouses. Leaders and survivors from all support groups were present. A second Survivor Celebration in 2010 attracted close to 200 survivors and spouses.
Health Fair Support - NTXPCC is supporting Health Fairs. We served a number of Health Fairs approaching us to participate. We will increase Health Fair support efforts as soon as we find more volunteers.
Long Term Survivor Program - The Long Term Survivor program was implemented to better serve fellow survivors with specific emphasis towards men who are the most underserved: the newly diagnosed. In addition to workshops and classes specifically addressing newly diagnosed men, we created a list of long-term survivors willing to share their personal experience with their own treatments and side effects. Similarly, we offer a chat room (Let's Talk on Tuesday ... about Prostate Cancer) where newly diagnosed and newly treated patients can meet with LTS members face to face.
