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). 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 are Tom Dillon, Justin Sucato and Wolfram Blattner. Since then, Bruce Stahl and Terry Theiss have been added as BoD members; Bruce will assume the function of treasurer for the Coalition. 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, Justin is in charge of survivor programs (Speakers' Bureau, Working Groups) while Wolfram is coordinating Coalition programs (Coalition Website, Screening Support, Combined Speakers Program, LTS Program). Tom Dillon will take care of Health Fairs at least through the remainder of 2010.
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 2009, including DadFest in Richardson, Cowtown Cruisin' for a Cure carshow in Fort Worth, as well as screenings at both Baylor hospitals in Dallas and Plano and the Medical City/Dallas hospital.
- In addition to providing volunteers, four presentations on Early Detection of Prostate Cancer were provided during the Men's Health Fair at Baylor/Plano and the Screening Day at Medical City/Dallas. Presenters were Tom Dillon, Wolfram Blattner, Brad LaGrange and Justin Sucato.
Poster ProgramCoalition programs can't do without the assistance of flyers and posters. In addition to flyers passed out for screening support, a flyer advertising coalition capabilities as well as information on our current 7 support groups were passed out during Dadfest, the Baylor/Plano Men's Health Day as well as during the Baylor/Dallas cancer survivor week and the Cancer Care Natl. Survivors' Day celebration at TCU. The Coalition flyer (PDF) is available to be distributed by any member of our support groups. The Poster Program will be expanded during 2010.Working GroupsThe fist Working Group was initiated in March for men with increasing PSA after treatment at Baylor Dallas and approaches it's tenth session in December with survivors attending from across the Metroplex.Preparations for a second Working Group for Newly Diagnosed are in full swing. Initial Speaker EventThe 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. Flyers about upcoming free screening events in the area (DadFest and Men's Health Day) were distributed. We are working on additional speaking engagements. |  Justin Sucato is Program Manager for Survivor Programs (Speaker's Bureau, Workings Groups) |
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.
The questions and concerns expressed and submitted by the chairpersons at the meeting will be addressed and reconciled starting the implementation process.
Our first Combined Speaker program was added on September 1 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.
Health Fair Support - NTXPCC is supporting Health Fairs. We are planning to serve 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.
The questions and concerns expressed and submitted by the chairpersons at the meeting will be addressed and reconciled starting the implementation process.
Our first Combined Speaker program was added on September 1 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.
Health Fair Support - NTXPCC is supporting Health Fairs. We are planning to serve 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.
