The Virtual ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit 2021 has begun.
Stay Tunned
Petey's raising awareness for prostate cancer and saving lives!
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Past Capitol Hill Day
Our ZERO Champion family from across the country! There are some who could not be with us we all have many things in common. How prostate cancer has made an impact on our lives. We all want a cure for prostate cancer. More education and awareness for this horrible disease.
From a past ask:
Senators and Congress we need you to keep the funding for prostate cancer in the budget. We are asking for 100 Million, but if you have an extra 10 Million or more laying around the prostate cancer families would be more than happy to accept it for saving the men in our lives!
Another thing that we need desperately is more education and awareness so that the men are informed about the tough decisions that they will need to make. Right now the only test available for prostate cancer is the PSA. Yes, there are downsides to this test. If men are educated earlier about prostate cancer they may not have to regret a decision that was made without weighing all the options before it is to late! Sadly I have had men say to me that they do not know what a prostate is or what BPH is. Or even the other treatment options available when they are diagnosed. This is where Education is key! 1in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and African-Americans have a greater risk of developing the disease. Veterans are also at a higher risk due to the toxic chemicals that they have been exposed to not just in Vietnam!
Please sign the Dear Colleague letter when it comes across your desk!
Wife of a Survivor of 11 years
Questiins
Do you know what prostate cancer is?
Do you know what BPH is?
Do you feel there is enough education about prostate cancer to make an informed decision?
How would you like to get education materials presented?
Social media
Television ads
More materials in physician offices
Billboards
Other
Friday, February 26, 2021
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education Month 2021
Soon I will be asking Elected Officials across Ohio for their support for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education in September. I share my story with them and also the Whereas statements. By doing this it is easier for them to prepare the documents. Many times we have been asked to attend the Council meetings for a reading and presentation of the Proclamation. It is always an honor to do so! Usually, the Mayor will read the Proclamation, and sometimes a Council member who has been impacted by prostate cancer. After the reading of the Proclamation. There has been someone share their personal story as well. Also if time allows we are able to say a few words. Having the Proclamations read supported by the Elected Officials shows the residents of the City, Village, and Townships that someone cares.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education Month
Whereas, this year approximately 248,530 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States alone every year and roughly 34,130 will die this year from the disease; and
Whereas, in Ohio, an estimated 9,010 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and an estimated 2,000 deaths will occur; and
Whereas, In 2021, a man will die from prostate cancer every 15 minutes. A man will be diagnosed every 2 minutes. And 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer; and
Whereas, Men with relatives – father, brother, son – with a history of prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease; and
Whereas, Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer; and
Whereas, Men who served in the military who have been exposed to chemicals and herbicides are at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer; and
Whereas, Education regarding prostate cancer and early detection strategies is critical to saving lives, preserving, and protecting our families.
Whereas, The economic and social hardship it has on the families is huge; Prostate cancer is estimated to cost over $8 billion in direct medical expenditures: and
Whereas, Nearly 3.1 million men in the U.S. are living with a prostate cancer diagnosis; that number is estimated to climb to 4 million by 2024 as men in the baby boomer generation age; and
Whereas, all men are at risk for prostate cancer and we encourage the citizens of (City) to increase the importance of prostate screenings.
Prostate Cancer "To-Go" bag
Prostate Cancer “To Go” Bag
Some treatments for prostate cancer may lead to mild or severe incontinence. These are suggestions for urinary and bowel incontinence. Preparing a “To Go” bag to keep in the car when you are away from home is a lifesaver. This is great for long trips or around town. Some of the items may or may not apply to you.
What should be in the bag:
Extra pair of pants or Complete set of clothes
Underwear 1-2 pairs
Incontinence pads, liners – the amount depends on how many you use in a day
Plastic Bag(s) –for the clothes
Wet wipes
Towel – in case you have leaked on the car seat
Extra Large Disposable Pads
Ointment barriers
Cunningham Clamp(s) – if you use them
Wash Cloth(s)
Pill Box - Medications you are currently
List of Medications
Capitol Hill
Usually this time of the year we are in Wahington, D.C for the ZERO The End Of Prostate Cancer Summit. This year it will take place virtually. This will be the first year since 2012, that we have not been sharing our story on the Hill.
On June 19, 2009, Ray was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Ray is one of three sons and the only one who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is also the only one to join the military. While doing research I have learned that some of the military installations he was stationed at were contaminated. The military uses herbicides and chemicals for training and for foilage control on the installations. Agent Orange is a herbicide and defoliant chemical used by the military. Men who have been exposed to Agent Orange have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Though Ray never stepped Boots on the ground in Vietnam there is a possibility of exposure to Agent Orange.
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Petey The Prostate Crusader is our mascot that I created after Ray was diagnosed. He goes with me everywhere raising awareness and help to educate the men and families about prostate cancer.
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
We need you!
On October 22, 2020, our ZERO The End Of Prostate Cancer license plate bill was signed into law Our next hurdle in this is Petition To Establish Organizational License Plates. We need 150 valid signatures of support before the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will start production of the license plates. Please fill out the following information on the form. First Name, Last Name, Middle Initial, Phone Number with area code, Address, City, Zip, Current License Plate Number, Ohio DL or Ohio ID number, Signature. All forms need to be returned to me to be counted. We need the signature petitions as soon as possible. Linda@zerocancer.org
The funds from 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 families and free transportation for prostate cancer patients to doctor appointments.
June 19, 2009 Ray and I never expected to hear those horrible words in our lives. You have an aggressive form of prostate cancer. But we did! Ray has a prostatectomy October 12, 2009. We had learned that the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes. One thing for sure was that I was not going to sit back and do nothing. We started advocating for Prostate Cancer Awareness and Education in Ohio and on Capitol Hill. Through the years we have met some amazing people who have also been impacted by prostate cancer as well. Some have been Athletes, Elected Officials and families like us. Ray is in remission but we will not let our guard down. We know that prostate cancer can rear its ugly head at any time.
Please sign and share our petition with your family and friends as well.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Bold For Blue
Last year, ZERO introduced the Impact Awards for the first time, and even in a virtual setting, we’re keeping this new tradition going strong!
The below individuals were nominated by members of the ZERO Community for their passion, drive, and determined impact in our mission to end prostate cancer.
Linda and Ray Hoetger are always open and willing to share their prostate cancer story with others and members of the media
#boldforblue #ZEROStrong
Friday, February 12, 2021
ZERO The End Of Prostate Cancer License plates
I just sent in 14 Signatures form to be verified. if all goes well they will be added to the 52 already verified. We need 150 signatures before the BMV will start on the production of our license plates. ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer.
IF you would like to sign the petition I can send you the form either by email or by snail mail. Linda@zerocancer.org
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Love is in the air!
Petey found a lady friend to share Valentine's Day with. His gift to her was a PSA Test. How about you Guys have your PSA lately?
Friday, February 5, 2021
Signatures needed!
52 of the 79 signatures were valid. 😢 We need 150 Signatures of support!
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. Education regarding prostate cancer and early detection strategies is critical to saving lives, preserving, and protecting our families.
On June 19, 2009, my life forever changed my husband was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. You always see license plates for all sorts of causes, except for one. Prostate cancer. I wanted to change that. Ohio will be the first state in the nation to have ZERO The End Of Prostate Cancer license plates.
Please send the completed forms to Linda@zerocancer.org Feel free to contact me for the form as well.
This is just an example of what the license plates would look lime. The 4DAD would need to be applied for.
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Edward C. Kaps 2012
Older story but I wanted to share it, going through older emails. I have the nomination letters and they bring tears to my eyes! When Ray was first diagnosed I felt so alone. Trying to find a support group for men and women that meets together was impossible.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Linda Hoetger receives Edward C. Kaps 2012 Award
LANCASTER — Dr. Bill Stevens, chapter leader of The Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network of Fairfield County, recently announced that member Linda Hoetger received the Edward C. Kaps 2012 Award. The award is given to an outstanding leader in an Us TOO support group who has shown unselfish, dedicated service to prostate cancer survivors and their families. Hoetger became involved in the group in 2009 after her husband, Ray, was diagnosed and treated for advanced prostate cancer. She has been dedicated and active in support of prostate cancer awareness, both locally and nationally, Stevens said. Hoetger has attended several conferences and health fairs, and organized her first fundraising event called “Pasta for Prostates” in 2012. Established in 1995, Us TOO International now has more than 300 chapters worldwide and is dedicated to promoting prostate cancer awareness. This is the second time the Lancaster chapter has received the award. Stevens was honored in 2009. www.ustoo.org
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