Happy New Year!

 

Happy Holidays from Petey!

 

Ohio State Football - Dimitrious Stanley

 With permission from Jessica Ader Stanley

Thank you everyone for your prayers and kind words!  Our family appreciates it so much. Dimitrious wanted me to give you this message since he’s not on Facebook anymore....

I want to thank all of you for the well wishes. Now, my request to you all is to try not to stress and worry. 

Stress and worry can make us sick. This is not happening to me to make others sick by stress. I believe it is happening to me to motivate you all to do what makes you Healthy, Happy and Vibrant.

I believe this is apart of my Godly plan, not my plan. I am not worried about my future. I truly, in my heart, believe that I am going to beat this. Great things come in time not over night. No matter what’s happening around you, the only thing that matters is the energy of the people that you constantly allow into your mind, body and soul. Remember this, food can be energy or death, so choose wisely.

You have to focus on that, because at the end of the day, what you put in your mind, body and soul will effect you negatively or positively. “DONTBE AFRAID FOR ME.” Be happy that I found my purpose in life. My purpose is to love, appreciate and show people that no matter your color, sexual preference, religion etc, it’s all about the ENERGY you live in. YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL are 100% composed of ENERGY, WATER AND OXYGEN. This is how I identify.😉

Love,

Dimitrious Stanley, 

Your greatest ally

Petey’s New Hat

 

Wake Up Cbus

 

Wake Up Cbus!

 

Veteran’s

 Today there are over 500,000 Veterans living with Prostate Cancer in the VHA System, of those over 16,000 have a metastatic form of the disease. We are experiencing approximately 15,000 new diagnoses each year and that number is increasing. I should also point out that we have a 14% diagnosis of metastatic disease on the first diagnosis as compared to the general population's 7%. We must do more to raise awareness and educate the Veteran and Active-Duty populations.

Movember and Petey’s mustache

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Snowboarding!

Petey can't wait for the snow this year. 

He enjoys snowboarding so much! Petey had his PSA recently and he is still in remission and so happy! Have you gotten yours?

 

Petey's Bait Shop

Petey loves deep-sea fishing. On his recent fishing trip, he caught a shark. It took some time to wrangle him into the boat. but he knew that giving up was not something he was going to do.

 

Senate Medicaid, Health & Human Services Committee November 20, 2013

 When memories pop up in your timeline from 2013.

When you hear that the recommendations from the USPSTF and you don’t agree with them. What do you do when it’s being heard in the Ohio Statehouse. It’s was time to share my story with the Representatives. A few days later after I sent my concerns, I got a phone call from Senator Burkes's office. Would you please share your story at the hearing? Of course, I would! And so it began….

My Testimony for Wednesday. Hopefully, it will help make changes in prostate cancer awareness!

Senate Medicaid, Health & Human Services Committee

November 20, 2013

S.C.R. 10

Proponent Testimony

On June 19, 2009, my life as a wife had forever changed into a prostate cancer caregiver wife. My husband’s PSA rose from 7.91 to 8.42 in a little over one month. June 15th a PSA and Biopsy were done I never gave it a thought that we would be called back to Wright-Patterson 4 days later and I needed to be there. That morning of the 19th I was not thinking that there was anything wrong! But when we get to the base it was strange to hear that the doctor cleared his morning schedule to talk with us. Thought it was strange but no RED flags here! The doctor comes out to greet us and he had this strange look on his face. We get into his office and sit down and he tells us…I am sorry Sergeant Hoetger your biopsy came back positive for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Stunned, shocked, numb is just a few words that I can describe on that day. My tears started flowing. This is no news one wants to hear but for a doctor to have to tell the patient or the wife! After all the tears and trying to absorb the diagnosis. The doctor took the time to discuss the tests in-depth, treatment options, questions. Ray did not want to hear any option except the prostate is causing the problem then take it out NOW! The Urologist said to become students and learn everything about prostate cancer and so that is what I did. I did research all the options and tried to share them with Ray but he did not want to hear any of them except surgery! Ray was diagnosed at 56 years old with prostate cancer with a simple PSA blood test that the United States Preventative Task Force recommends against at any age. I do not agree with their recommendations as the wife of a Prostate Cancer Survivor and also a Mom of young sons’ in their 20’s. It was devastating hearing that my husband was diagnosed but hearing it from my sons! When there is a simple PSA blood test that could save their life?

Linda Hoetger

ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer

Central Ohio Champion

Petey’s mustaches

Petey showing off his different mustaches for Grow and Give 2021

 

The First Movember Proclamation

In 2015, the first Movember Proclamation was signed by Governor John Kasich. I asked if we could get one done and at that time Ohio did not have one. So I asked how can I change that. We need the verbiage. Not a problem! A few days later I sent it to his office and the process was started. Shortly after that, I received it in the mail. Gover Kasich continued to sign the Proclamation while he was in office. Governor DeWine has signed a couple but sadly with the pandemic, he has declined to sign Proclamations of support. For Movember or for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education. 

 

Grow and Give 2021

Welcome to Petey's Grow and Give

June 19, 2009, Ray was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. His diagnosis has given me to courage to share my story with others. I also created our Mascot for prostate cancer. Petey the Prostate Crusader. I created him in 2009 from a walnut. Why a walnut? It is the size of a normal prostate. 

Every 15 minutes, a man dies of prostate cancer. One in eight will be diagnosed — nearly 250,000 fathers, sons, brothers, partners, and friends in the U.S. this year alone.

I'm putting down the razor and picking up the cause by participating in the Grow & Give campaign with ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer. Together, we can end the suffering of prostate cancer, but I need your support!

Your donation will help fund research, patient programs that go directly to helping men and their families, free testing, educational programs, and more.

Please support me by making a tax-deductible contribution today! You'll feel proud knowing that you're helping keep families together and saving lives.

Check out our Grow and Give 2021

Grow and Give Tee Shirts   

Lebanon, Ohio 2021

Thank you Mayor Amy Brewer for your continued support for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education. 

 

ZERO and Us Too Merge as one

 

When Ray was first diagnosed with prostate cancer June 19, 2009, I needed to find a support group as I was clueless to what prostate cancer was. I started calling groups I found in Columbus. I would call them only to hear. No women allowed sorry! Well prostate cancer is a couples disease. Then on August 9, 2009 I found Us Too. I called and talked with Terri! I told her my needs and she told me about the Lancaster Us Too support group that was meeting the next day. Ray and I went and was accepted with open arms. I was not alone any longer. I’m in the works of starting a support group on the south side of Columbus. More details to come. If you would like to be put on my mailing list. Send me an email Linda@zerocancer.org

Then in February 2012, I was contacted by David from ZERO The End Of Prostate Cancer. He found me by all the things I had been doing with prostate cancer. And continue to do work raising awareness in Ohio and on Capitol Hill. 

The combined organization now operates under ZERO’s name, 501(c)3 designation, brand, logo, and website. The Us TOO name will officially live on as the Us TOO Support Groups, which includes more than 200 support groups across North America.

PRESS RELEASE: 

Washington, D.C., October 25, 2021 – The prostate cancer community has a new patient-centric powerhouse in its corner with the officially completed merger of ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer and Us TOO International. This newly unified organization creates a comprehensive support system for prostate cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. It also increases prostate cancer awareness and advances research and access to care through a united advocacy platform.

Due to COVID-19, prostate cancer patients have experienced heartbreaking interruptions in treatments and delays in annual screenings, and they face numerous other obstacles as the pandemic continues. More than 250,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE:

Zero and Us Too merge

Grow and Give 2021

June 19, 2009 Ray was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. His diagnosis has given me to courage to share my story with others. I also created our Mascot for prostate cancer. Petey the Prostate Crusader. I created him in 2009 from a walnut. Why a walnut? It is the size of a normal prostate. 

Every 15 minutes, a man dies of prostate cancer. One in eight will be diagnosed -- nearly 250,000 fathers, sons, brothers, partners, and friends in the U.S. this year alone.

I'm putting down the razor and picking up the cause by participating in the Grow & Give campaign with ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer. Together, we can end the suffering of prostate cancer, but I need your support!

Your donation will help fund research, patient programs that go directly to helping men and their families, free testing, educational programs, and more.

Please support me by making a tax-deductible contribution today! You'll feel proud knowing that you're helping keep families together and saving lives. 

Grow and Give 2021 

2020 Annual Report from ZERO

 

Piqua, Ohio 2021

 Thank you Mayor Kris Lee for your support for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education. 

Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner has died, just two days after taking medical leave.

Goldner, 58, disclosed last year that he had been receiving treatment for prostate cancer since 2014. He joined the company in 2000 and was appointed chief executive in 2008.

Hasbro CEO

Why a Walnut?

The walnut is the size of a normal prostate. 

June 19, 2009 my life for ever changed from a wife to wife/caregiver to a prostate cancer patient. On this day it felt like I hit a brick wall full force. We were told Ray had prostate cancer. On October 12, 2009 he became a survivor. He had a prostatectomy which was suppose to take a couple hours at most. But that was not the case it was an 8 hour surgery as the cancer spread to his lymph nodes. And his prostate weighed 78 grams. Sadly this also came with side effects that have lasted 12 years. But at least he is alive! 

This is Petey The Prostate Crusader. I created him in 2009 and he has become our mascot for prostate cancer. Petey in the cowboy hat I carry with me all the time. Sometimes I will bring him out and take pictures at different places. There have been times I will hear. Hey, I know that nut! Or Ok, why a walnut? We will start talking and by the end of the conservation. The men and families will say I’m getting a PSA test. That is well worth it. I have had some men contact me as share their score or their story. They know they are not alone in their journey. 

I have made Petey scenes for Chuy’s and for survivors across the nation. A few I have went the extra mile to make a survivor smile. These are just a few of them.

Adelphi, Ohio 2021

 

Cambridge, Ohio 2021

Thank you Mayor Thomas Orr for your continued support for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education. 

 

Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education 2021

 I know it is a long list! As September is coming to a close for Prostate Cancer Awareness ans Education month.These are they Mayor's, County Commissioners who have support in 2021. Thank You all for your support!

Contact me for your Proclamation for 2022!

Columbus, Indiana

Connellsville, Pennsylvania

Kingston, New York

Representative Marilyn John 

Adams County Commissioners

Auglaize County Commissioners

Champaign County Commissioners

Clarke County Commissioners

Clinton County Commissioners

Darke County Commissioners

Defiance County Commissioners

Erie County Commissioners

Fairfield County Commissioners

Franklin County Commissioners

Greene County Commissioners

Jackson County Commissioners

Lake County Commissioners

Lorain County Commissioners

Mahoning County Commissioners

Median County Commissioners

Mercer County Commissioners

Montgomery County Commissioners

Morrow County Commissioners

Muskingum County Commissioners

Ottawa County Commissioners

Portage County Commissioners

Preble County Commissioners

Richaland County Commissioners

Ross County Commissioners

Sandusky County Commissioners

Scioto County Commissioners

Summit County Commissioners

Union County Commissioners

Van Wert County Commissioners

Warren County Commissioners

Washington County Commissioners

Williams County Commissioners

Athens

Avon Lake

Berea

Bexley

Blanchester

Brecksville

Brook Park

Brookville

Brunswick

Bucyrus

Cadiz

CanalWinchester

Canfield

Canton

Centerville

Chardon

Circleville

Cortland

Dayton

Defiance

Delaware

East Liverpool

Englewood

Fairborn

Fairfield

Fairport Harbor

Findlay 

Fostoria

Gahanna

Garfield Heights

Grove City

Groveport

Hebron

Huber Heights

Kent 

Kettering

London

Lyndhurst

Macedonia

Marysville

Maumee

Medina

Miamisburg

Montgomery

Moreland Hills

Mount Vernon

Napoleon

North Canton

North Lewisburg

North Olmsted

Northwood

Nowalk

Norwich Township Trustees

Oakwook

Olmsted Falls

Ontario

Orrville

Parma

Powell

Reynoldsburg

Rossford 

Sabina 

sheffield Village

Stow

Struthers

Swanton

Tallmadge

Trotwood

Tuscarawas

Union

Upper Arlington

Urbana

Vandalia

Westerville 

Whitehall

Willoughby 

Woodville

Worthington

Wyoming

Xenia

Medina, Ohio 2021

Thank you Mayor Dennis Hanwell for your continued suppport for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education.

Thank you Stephanie Mueller for attending the Proclamation reading. 

Thank you, Mayor Dennis Hanwell and City of Medina - City Hall, for your continued support for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education. 

I was honored to attend last night’s Medina Council meeting and accept the proclamation on behalf of Linda Hoetger, who works tirelessly to collect proclamations across Ohio and beyond (160+ this year)... as well as on behalf of the survivors, warriors and their caregivers. 

I do this for my dad, Steve... a 9-year survivor. 💙

You can view the meeting below. The Proclamation is about 7 minutes in...

https://www.facebook.com/MedinaTV/videos/419113556344874/

 

 

 

Canton, Ohio 2021

 

Kingston, New York 2021

 

A Caregiver Perspective

 

 Funds from the ZERO The End Of Prostate Cancer license plates would stay in Ohio to provide free patient navigation services to reduce financial toxicity among prostate cancer and free transportation for prostate cancer patients to doctor appointments.

https://bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov/Login?method=OPLATES

Cortland, Ohio 2021

 

 Ray was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer on June 19, 2009! Currently he is a big Loser. Big fat ZERO!!! Before you get upset on my comment of him being s loser. It’s a good thing. A zero PSA is what we want!  It means he is still in remission 12 years later! I will not say cancer free as this disease can rear it ugly head at any time. So my comfort words are remission or NED (No Evidence of Disease)!

 Before you drop that next quarter! Take the time and visit your doctor for a PSA test. Your life might depend on it and your loved ones will Thank You!

Williams County Commissioners 2021

 September 2, 2021 Williams County FB page

On August 16, 2021, Linda Hoetger emailed the Commissioners asking for their support.  From Linda: My Name is Linda Hoetger, I am asking for your support for the 9,010 men impacted by prostate cancer and their families just like mine. Some who live in your community and are not ready to speak up yet and share their journey. I ask for your support yearly so that one day we can be part of a cure and zero out prostate cancer. This is also a way to educate the citizens in the community with a Proclamation, message board announcements, newsletter announcements. I have become and active advocate and helping men and their families along the way. The nation recognizes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education Month in September. 

Today the Board of Williams County Commissioners' passed a Proclamation proclaiming September of 2021 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Williams County.  

As of 09/01/2021 ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer Logo Plates went on sale through the BMV. All the funds generated by the sale of the logo plates stays in Ohio.  

#WilliamsCounty #ProstateCancer #ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth #Proclamation

Cadiz, Ohio 2021

Thank you Mayor John Migliore for your support for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education

Willoughby, Ohio 2021

Thank you Mayor Bob Fiala for your support for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education.

Chardon, Ohio 2021