Quincy, MA — The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) is partnering with churches nationwide to host Prostate Health Educational Symposiums and the 7th Annual Father’s Day Rally Against Prostate Cancer. These events will raise awareness of prostate cancer, educate men about their prostate health and focus on the importance of spiritual faith for those facing prostate cancer or living as survivors. Since 2009, the Father’s Day Rally has touched many lives and awakened churches to address the prostate cancer crisis within their communities.PHEN will host Prostate Health Educational Symposiums in cities throughout the United States in partnership with its local church partners beginning in April at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church in Newport News, Virginia, and extending through the Father’s Day Rally on June 21, 2015. Each symposium will be a high visibility event within its city led by PHEN Survivor Network members, who are warriors in the fight against prostate cancer. Participation includes local community, medical and political leaders, and PHEN’s industry partners and other supporters.
2015 symposiums will also be hosted in: Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Birmingham, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Durham (NC), Houston, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Miami, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh (NC) and Richmond (VA).
Each symposium focuses on specific prostate health topics including: screening and early detection, treatment options, diet and nutrition, and managing treatment side effects. The program is structured for healthy men at high risk for prostate cancer, prostate cancer survivors, caregivers and family members. Free prostate cancer screening will be provided at certain symposiums. All the symposiums are free and open to the public and includes lunch for all attendees and participants. Registration is available online.
Attendees surveyed at the 2014 symposiums expressed a high level of satisfaction (more than 90%) with the topics covered, speakers and overall symposium organization.
The 7th Annual Father’s Day Rally Against Prostate Cancer will be held on June 21, 2015 at churches across the country. The annual event raises prostate health awareness within churches of all denominations, during their regular worship services. Prostate cancer survivors, along with those who have lost loved ones to the disease, are recognized with a special prayer of healing and support during the service.
Survey responses from churches participating in the 2014 Father’s Day Rally showed that more than 90 percent indicated that a) the Rally was a success at their churches, b) the survivors and family members were pleased with the recognition and support they received, c) they will participate in the 2015 Rally and d) they want to participate in additional PHEN educational activities.
“Join us as we honor our fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, and all the men in our lives,” says Thomas Farrington, PHEN president and founder. “Thanks to our amazing church partners, we are able to educate men and their families about a deadly disease that is needlessly causing havoc at a rate not experienced in other communities. Together we are saving countless lives.”
For churches that are interested in participating: PHEN provides free educational materials for distribution to all their members. In addition, throughout the year PHEN provides access to monthly webcasts and educational materials. All churches are invited to register and participate in the 2015 Father’s Day Rally here. If you are interested in hosting a future Symposium email Kimberly Rogers for more information.
About PHEN
The Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) is the leading patient education and advocacy organization addressing the needs of African American prostate cancer patients and survivors. Prostate cancer is the most common major cancer in men. About 1 in 5 African American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime; they have the highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States. Based in Boston, PHEN, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 2003 by Thomas A. Farrington, a prostate cancer survivor. Initiatives throughout the year include monthly live educational Webcasts, the Annual Father’s Day Rally, educational symposiums, and the Annual African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit. For more information, visit PHEN’s website: www.prostatehealthed.org.
PRESS CONTACT:
Kim Cunningham
Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN)
(781) 223-4042
kcunninghamphen@yahoo.com