Thursday, September 28, 2017

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

2012 Edward Kaps Award winners




Us Too International is pleased to recognize James Coffey from Connecticut, Linda Hoetger from Ohio, Dave & Donna from Illinois. Dr. Alfred Brathwaite, Corydon Mitchell, Rudy Sands and Rev. Percy Kemp from the Bahamas.    Their stories and activities are solid testimony for all of us on the importance of our cause.  This award was presented to these great people in December of 2012 in Chicago, Illinois.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Proclamations and Resolutions 2017

This is all the Cities, Villages and Townships that has sent or made a commitment for September 2017. I would like to get even more Elected Officials involved with raising awareness in their Community and challenge other Elected Officials to also get involved.  There are 3 million men who are living with prostate cancer in the United States.

Many of the men are silent and will not talk about their disease and as a wife/caregiver and mom of four sons and grandparent of two grandosns. We need to get our men to speak up!

**State of Ohio - Governor Kasich and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor
2 **Senator Jay Hottinger
3 *Board of Commissioners of Adams County
4 *Board of Commissioners of Athens County
5 *Board of Commissioners of Carroll County
6 *Board of Commissioners of Defiance County
7 *Board of Commissioners of Fairfield County
8 *Board of Commissioners of Franklin County
9 *Board of Commissioners of Jackson County
10 *Board of Commissioners of Lake County
11 *Board of Commissioners of Tuscarawas County
12 *Board of Commissioners of Warren County
13 Adelphi Mayor Joshua Hettinger
14 Amelia Mayor Todd Hart
15 Arlington Heights Mayor Joseph Harper
16 Ashland Mayor Duane Fishpaw
17 Ashtabula Mayor James Timonere
18 Athens Mayor Steve Patterson
19 Austintown Township Trustees
20 Avon Lake Mayor Gregory Zilko
21 Beachwood Mayor Merle Gorden
22 Beavercreek Bob Stone
23 Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler
24 Boardman Township Trustees
25 Bowling Green Mayor Richard Edwards
26 Brook Park Mayor Thomas Coyne
27 Brookville Mayor David Seagraves
28 Brunswick Mayor Ron Falconi
29 Bryan Mayor Douglas Johnson
30 Bucyrus Mayor Jeff reser
31 Cadiz Mayor Kenneth Zitko
32 Cambridge Mayor Tom Orr
33 Canal Winchester Mayor Mike Ebert
34 Canfield Mayor Bernie Kosar Sr.
35 Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei
36 Carroll Mayor Tammy Drobina
37 Centerville Mayor Brooks Compton
38 Chardon Mayor Nancy McArthur
39 Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley
40 Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson
41 Clyde Mayor G. Scott Black
42 Columbus City Council
43 Cortland Mayor
44 Cortland Mayor Jon Woofter
45 Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley
46 Deer Park Mayor John Donnellon
47 Defiance Mayor Mike McCann
48 Dublin Mayor Gregory Peterson
49 East Liverpool Mayor Ryan Stovall
50 Elmore Mayor Matthew Damshroder
51 Englewood Mayor Patricia Burnside
52 Fairfield County Commissioners
53 Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik
54 Gahanna City Council
55 Gahanna Mayor Tom Kneeland
56 Galena Mayor Tom Hopper
57 Gibsonburg Mayor Steve Fought
58 Grandview Heights Mayor Ray DeGraw
59 Granville Mayor Melissa Hatfield
60 Grove City Mayor Richard "Ike" Stage
61 Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp
62 Hanover Township Trustees
63 Hartville Mayor Cathy Billings
64 Hilliard Mayor Donald Schonhardt
65 Huber Heights Mayor Tom McMasters
66 Independence Mayor Anthony L. Togliatti
67 Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith
68 Jamestown Mayor Jerrod Pickens
69 Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala
70 Kettering Mayor Donald Patterson
71 Kingston, New York Mayor Steve Noble
72 Lakemore Mayor Richard Justice
73 Lancaster Mayor Dave Smith
74 Lebanon Mayor Amy Brewer
75 Liberty Township Trustees
76 Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer
77 Louisville Mayor Patricia Fallot
78 Loveland Vice Mayor Angie Settell
79 Macedonia Mayor Joseph Migliorini
80 Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker
81 Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer
82 Mason Mayor Victor Kidd
83 Massillon Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry
84 Maumee Mayor Richard Carr
85 Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell
86 Miamisburg Mayor Dick Church
87 Middlefield Mayor Ben Garlich
88 Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan sr.
89 Montgomery Mayor Chris Dobrozsi
90 Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis
91 Mounty Victory Mayor Michael Trout
92 New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding
93 New Bern Mayor Dana Outlaw
94 Newark Mayor Jeff Hall
95 North Olmsted Mayor Kevin Kennedy
96 Norwalk Mayor Rob Ducan
97 Norwich Township Trustees
98 Oakwood Mayor William Duncan
99 Olmsted Falls Mayor Ann Dunegan
100 Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson
101 Orange Township Trustees
102 Orrville Mayor Dave Handwrek
103 Oxford Mayor Kate Rousemaniere
104 Parma Heights Mayor Michael Bryne
105 Parma Mayor Timothy DeGeeter
106 Pickerington Mayor Lee Gray
107 Piqua Mayor Katheryn Hinds
108 Portsmouth Mayor James Kalb
109 Powell Mayor Brian Lorenz
110 Reynoldsburg Mayor Mike Compton
111 Richfield Mayor Bobbie Beshara
112 Riverside Mayor Bill Flute
113 Rossford Mayor Neil MacKinnion
114 Saint Marys Mayor Patrick McGowan
115 Salem Mayor John Berlin
116 Shawnee Hills Council
117 Stow Mayor Sara Kline
118 Stryker Mayor Joey Beck
119 Sugarcreek Township Trustees
120 Swanton Mayor Ann Roth
121 Sycamore Township
122 Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz
123 Union Mayor Michael O'Callaghan
124 Upper Arlington Mayor John Adams
125 Urbana Mayor Bill Bean
126 Urbancrest Mayor Joseph Barnes
127 Van Wert Mayor Gerald Mazur
128 Washington Township, Ohio
129 Waterville Mayor Lori Brodie
130 West Carrolton Mayor Jeffrey Sanner
131 West Salem Mayor Dale Klinect
132 Westerville Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi
133 Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough
134 Whitehall Mayor Kim Maggard
135 Wickliffe Mayor William Margalis
136 Woodmere Mayor Charles Smith
137 Woodvillle Mayor Richard Harman
138 Xenia Mayor Marsha Bayless
139 Yorkville Mayor Blair Closser

Memories for the Ohio Senate 2016

Having the support from Senator Bacon in 2016 was a great honor as well in raising awareness for Prostate Cancer. 



Memories....

From the first Tweet to Representative Heather Bishoff she was a huge supporter for all that I was to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer. She has since left the House of Representatives in Ohio. Although she is no longer in Ohio she still supports my efforts to this day! 

Memories from 2015

Our ZERO guests, Prostate Survivor! Ray & wife Linda representing @ZEROCancer. Our good luck charms at today's win! pic.twitter.com/9PbAox7Nvv
— Johan Schwartz (@JohanCSchwartz) August 15, 2015

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Medical Research

JUST LIKE DUCT TAPE!: Why we Have Medical Research at the DOD

Did you use the microwave to cook popcorn before a movie this weekend? How about use the GPS on your phone to get to that apple orchid with the family? And who hasn’t used duct-tape?

All courtesy of the Department of Defense.

Recognizing the uncanny talent of the U.S. Army for protecting our nation not just with soldiers, weapon systems, and tanks, Congress tasked the DOD in 1992 to take a significant role in the War on Cancer and other significant diseases like Alzheimer’s, and PTSD.

Active service men get prostate cancer. In fact, the National Cancer Institute has found that servicemen deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan are at higher risk of prostate cancer because of exposure to depleted uranium. Shouldn’t we know why? In an effort to protect our protectors, shouldn’t we stand up and fix the problem so these heroes can have long, healthy lives with their adoring families and communities?

It doesn’t end at that. Unlike anywhere else, the DOD uniquely targets critical gaps in medical research and utilizes a two-tier review process that includes patients impacted by the disease. In just prostate cancer – the model is incredibly successful: creating three treatments for advanced disease and a genomic marker to tell if the disease is aggressive or not before treatments begin.

Just like duct tape, this research has real and far reaching application in civilian life. And why shouldn’t it? Aren’t our armed forces sworn to protect this nation from enemies foreign and domestic? Cancer kills.

What better place to host medical research than the place where wars are won? Cancer death rates have fallen 25 percent since 1992. I don’t think it’s a coincidence and I urge you to not do the same. And here’s the Capital T truth to the whole program, for every $1,000 the DOD spends on personnel, equipment, and weapons systems, it spends 25 cents on medical research. Think about that.

Is that not the best business model and the best return on investment you’ve ever seen?

Some in the Senate don’t see it this way. They don’t see that this research saves the lives of Army Colonels, combat Marines in the Middle East, and the American public who support them with every heartbeat. Instead of world-changing research, they’re clogging the process with red tape to save a quarter.

It’s critical to share this info with your network and your Congressman because in the coming days, we’ll need those friends to stand up on Capitol Hill and fight for this life-saving research.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Senators what were you thinking?

The U.S Senate voted to eliminated DOD Medical Research on September 14, 2017.

Not only does this vote effect prostate cancer research something that we have been fighting for! It effects many other cancer research as well. I will keep fighting for prostate cancer research! 

Ray was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer with no known family history. The only possible connection is that he was a Firefighter in the Military and possible contact with Agent Orange. 

Senators voting to eliminate Medical Researchb is so disheartening to know that you want to stop all funding for finding cures for diseases! These disease may not have effected you but if they ever do! Would your vote have been different? 

The  list of diseases, illnesses, etc. that this impacts include:
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Alzheimer's
Autism
Bone Marrow Failure
Breast Cancer
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Epilepsy
Gulf War Illness
Lung Cancer
Military Burn
Multiple Sclerosis
Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes
Peer Reviewed Cancer (includes many cancers)
Peer Reviewed Medical
Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic
Prostate Cancer
Psychological Health/Traumatic Brain Injury
Reconstructive Transplant Research
Spinal Cord Injury
Tick-Borne Disease
Vision

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Amelia, Ohio 2017


Board of Commissioners of Adams County, Ohio 2017


SPILL on Capitol Hill 2012

 My first trip to Washington, DC is one I will never forget!

September 13, 2012 we had meeting with the Senators from Ohio and our first meeting was at 8:30 am with Senator Brown but at around 8:15 am I took a SPILL on Capitol Hill and felt a pop in my leg. I figured it was broken but it did not stop me to get to the meetings with the Senators. The Capitol Hill Officers wanted to know if I wanted to go to the ER but I said no! I am going to these meetings some way! So they call for a wheelchair. I told them that I will go after the meetings..maybe. We got to Senator Brown's Constituants Coffee a little after it started but I made it.

We attended the first meeting and then Ray took me to The Capitol Hill First Aid, the nurse wrapped up my leg and also suggested the ER. Again we still have two meetings with Senators in the afternoon and I am going to them no matter what. We seen Champions from the Summit on the Hill and asked what happened? I explained and some said that is dedication.

After the meetings I wanted to do some sightseeing in Washington since I had never been there before. But with my leg there was no walking and the pain was starting to set in more. So we started back home to Columbus, Ohio!

We drove through the night and made it back to Columbus around 2:00 am slept until around noon and then went to the ER. The Doctor asked how it happened. I took a SPILL on Capitol Hill. They laughed and apoligized and said  it is funny how you say it! After about an hour in the ER and X-rays it was confirmed my leg is broken! They called me a dedicated trooper for still continuing on to the meetings with a broken leg. But it is like I told them Prostate Cancer Awareness is very important to me as my husband has it!

Monday, September 11, 2017

Saving Lives in September
By Linda Hoetger


On June 19, 2009, my life forever changed. My husband Ray and I were given the devastating news: he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer. However, I was not about to sit back and do nothing! I started advocating and raising awareness for this horrible disease that no one seems to want to talk about.

In 2012, I was contacted by ZERO to become an advocate and was honored to be asked to join the “family”! Working with ZERO has given me so many more opportunities to help raise awareness and to be part of ending prostate cancer. Each year Ray and I speak to our elected officials at the Annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit in Washington, D.C., and work locally in Ohio to secure proclamations from each local government declaring September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

I began my journey for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month proclamations in 2013. I’d see resolutions and proclamations from elected officials proclaiming months and days for other causes, and I knew I wanted to get involved for prostate cancer. In 2013 I asked the Governor of Ohio’s office for a resolution for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September. The very next year, Ohio had their first resolution for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month!

In addition to the Governor, I also contacted the Mayor from my hometown and asked for a proclamation. A few days later I picked up my very first proclamation. It was a great feeling to know that I could impact change locally and spread awareness of prostate cancer to the men in my community. The more men I helped educate about the disease, the better.

After that it became easy to start sending out emails with requests for support. Sometimes I would receive an email back from the elected official’s office with support and a story of how prostate cancer had touched their lives. They’d also tell me that they never knew that there was a month for prostate cancer awareness! One Mayor even responded to say that he was planning to start being tested.

I’m proud to say that I’ve received over 85 proclamations this year in Ohio and close to 260 for the past three years! We’ve also had the honor of receiving invitations from many cities, villages and townships to attend the reading and presentation of the proclamation or the resolution. After the reading we are asked if we want to say a few words, and we always share our journey and work with ZERO. It’s a great way to ensure more men know how dangerous prostate cancer can be.

I love being able to make a difference in the lives of men by raising awareness and educating those who may not know about the disease. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is so important for getting the word out!


Make a difference this September! Every act, donation, and proclamation helps men and their families. Join me on the ZERO Proclamations Team!

https://zerocancer.org/blog/saving-lives-september/

Board of Commissioners of Carroll County, Ohio 2017


Ontario, Ohio 2017


Saturday, September 9, 2017

Franklin County Government Tower 2017

As you requested, we are able to light the Franklin County Government Tower blue in further support of national  prostate cancer awareness month and the #countmein campaign.   Congratulations to you for drawing attention and supporting this worthy health mission.


Franklin County Government Tower lit BLUE

Thank you Franklin County Board of Commissioners and public facilities team! The tower will keep the building lit blue the entire month of September recognizing National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The 26th floor is lit on all sides.
#PCAM
#ProclamationTeam
#CountMeIn


And of course Petey was there too!

Richfield, Ohio 2017


Cortland, Ohio 2017