Why Our Prostate Cancer Awareness Nonprofit Is Called 'Zero'
Jamie Bearse is the CEO and spokesperson for ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to end prostate cancer.
“You’re just going to tell everyone you’re a bunch of zeroes?”
That was the first question posed when we proposed naming the hub of organizational action against this terrible disease. ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer, an atypical nonprofit name and a seemingly pivot away from the traditional prostate cancer awareness blue. On the surface it can be head-scratching. But it’s all purposeful.
But why?
It’s simple. I think all of us — everyone impacted by prostate cancer — would rather be anywhere else. We all want amazing, vibrant, healthy lives.
But to get there, we need zero.
Zero deaths from prostate cancer, zero prostate cancer cases and for those fighting prostate cancer who constantly must monitor the prostate-specific antigen in their blood, it means a zero PSA.
Blue is traditionally the awareness color for prostate cancer. At ZERO, we flip the premise by having a red logo. Red complements the prostate cancer awareness blue by representing the passion and the willingness on behalf of patients and their loved ones to take bold action to achieve zero and stop the pain.
The journey to zero is an incredibly daunting task.
It takes awareness and passion but most of all, it takes a heartfelt conscious commitment to reach out a hand to those battling the disease to help them up and on their way to an amazing life ahead where they, in turn, will also be inspired to pay it forward.
This post was originally published on the ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer Blog.
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Thinkstock photo by gorica
The End of Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer. ZERO advances research, improves the lives of men and families, and inspires action. We're building Generation ZERO, the first generation of men free from prostate cancer, through our national run/walk series, education and patient support programs, and grassroots advocacy. ZERO is a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization, accredited by the Better Business Bureau, with regional chapters across the country. We dedicate 84 cents of every dollar to research and programs. For more information, visit www.zerocancer.org.
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