Recent Event Highlights
PCAA-DMV PRESS RELEASE – JAN. 27, 2021
Washington, DC - On Wednesday, January 27th, the Prostate Cancer Awareness Alliance – District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (PCAA-DMV) hosted a panel discussion entitled Sources of Support During the Prostate Cancer Journey. The event was co-sponsored with Hope Connections for Cancer Support and the DC National Pan-Hellenic Council (DC NPHC). The discussion focused on how any difficult journey can be made easier with support from family and friends. For men dealing with prostate cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, support when and how it’s needed can make a huge difference overall.
“When Richard was diagnosed with prostate cancer, we took it as we did everything else that came our way, we would fight it together and we would win.” – Pat Jackson, wife of Richard Jackson, prostate cancer survivor
The discussion focused on the experiences of four strong women whose partners survived prostate cancer. In addition to being a survivor’s spouse, Pat Jackson is Outreach & Development Manager with Hope Connections, an organization providing cancer support services. Stephanie Harris, Diane Butts, and Dr. Linda Holifield-Kennedy also participated. The event was moderated by Valerie E. Robinson, President of the Washington, DC chapter of the National Pan Hellenic Council.
“We managed his recovery with healing and medical appointments being the number one priority. Mark watched his PSA for 14 years.” Stephanie Harris, wife of Mark Tolliver, prostate cancer survivor.
This discussion was the third in the ongoing series sponsored by PCAA-DMV. “We are shining a spotlight on the importance of proactive prostate health. Spouses and family members play a large role in the support and encouragement of the men in their lives. Our panel discussions allow free-flow exchanges and everyone comes away with more information they can use.” Derrick Butts, President, PCAA-DMV
Click on the PCAA-DMV website to watch survivors share their journeys. PCAA-DMV events provide educational information about local support programs and services for prostate health and cancer journeys. Panel discussions are typically held every other month.
Father and Son Take on Prostate Cancer — and Win
On Sept. 30, 2020, James Wright, of the Washington Informer, wrote an article on me and my dad's book. To read the entire article, click on our photo above.
Health statistics reveal prostate cancer afflicts African American men at a higher rate than their White counterparts, but a Washington, D.C.-area father and son have beaten the disease and have written a book about their experiences.
Thomas A. Butts Jr. and his son, Derrick A. Butts, are the co-authors of “Prostate Cancer: A Family Affair” published in 2019. The book talks about the Butts’ struggle with the disease and the coping mechanisms they embraced after treatment. In the disclaimer, Thomas makes it clear “this book is for information and inspiration only.”