MAY/JUNE 2025

Prostate Cancer Survivors Newsletter

The Empowerment Network, Inc.,

a St. Louis-based, non-profit prostate cancer advocacy, awareness, and educational organization targeting men age 40+

Prostate cancer is treatable if detected early.

"GET TESTED & FOLLOW UP"

--WE CARE--

From the Board of Directors, Staff, the Prostate Cancer Survivors and Caregivers of The Empowerment Network...

In the wake of the devastating May 16th tornado that destroyed our community, disrupted lives and killed five people, our hearts go out to the families impacted.

TEN stands with you during this difficult time. 

The Journey of a Cancer Recurrence

By Mellve Shahid, Sr.

Founder, The Empowerment Network, Inc.

18-year Prostate Cancer Survivor

Editor's Note: Pray for Mellve as he goes through a recurrence of cancer.

He will be publicly sharing his cancer recurrence journey as a learning tool for others to understand the importance of follow-up. Below, is another chapter in the recurrence.

In February's Survivors Newsletter, he shared Part 1 of his experience inside the 3T MRI machine, or 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine.

In the March newsletter, he writes about Part 2 of the journey: the biopsy process.

In April, part 3 focused on Radiation & Hormone Therapy.

The journey continues below with Part 4 for May: "It's Hot in Here..."



PART 4

The Journey of a Cancer Recurrence:

Male Menopause & The End of Radiation Treatments

There’s a saying, Inch by inch is a cinch but yard by yard at times can be very hard especially facing the challenges and the side effects of fighting a recurrence of prostate cancer. This holds true when approaching and tackling this cancerous demon and the side effects of the drugs and treatments that come with them.



One of the side effects and symptoms from the hormone therapy drugs I’m now taking are the hot flashes. The flashes seem to haunt me more at night than during the day and at times can be unbearable but must be managed. The intense heat from the hot flashes causes fatigue, mood changes and it's hard to establish a sleep pattern at night with this sudden burst of energy.

To help manage the side effect from the drugs, I find myself doing what hip-hop/rap artist Nelly says in one of his songs, “It’s getting hot in here so take-off all your clothes...” as the motorized fan or ceiling fan helped to regulate and decrease my body temperature from the hormone treatment. Clothing at time seems to momentarily irritate the skin from the heat of the drugs until the symptom passes.

I tip my hat to all the beautiful ladies throughout the world who manage menopausal symptoms for years when I only have to endure the hot flashes for (8) months. How do you do it? I know I must bear this symptom while the drugs work to block and reduce testosterone production. I know it’s necessary in order for me to heal, I just hope and pray (8) months passes … fast!!



But the good news is the (25) radiation treatments are completed and I’m back up and running. I will know more about the outcomes and results when I do my (3) month check-up in a few months. I’m confident that the cancerous demon is gone; good riddance!!

I’m grateful to God, my family, friends and thankful to the medical staff at BJC, WU, and my Siteman Cancer Center family for caring for me during this entire ordeal. Thank you to my angel Dr. Lannis Hall and her fantastic staff at St. Peter’s Radiation Center for helping to save my life as I now go back to doing the same.

A Solemn Formal Promise Made with

Great Importance and Commitment



The Empowerment Network, Inc. had the opportunity to celebrate our Founder, Mellve Shahid, Sr. Mellve has often said he made a vow to God on the operating table that he would dedicate his life to informing men about prostate cancer.

A vow is defined as a solemn formal promise made with great importance and commitment usually to a deity to do a specified thing. In some instances, a broken vow has consequences. He is done this without wavering for the past seventeen years.

God blesses a vow with His unfailing Grace and Mercy. He did so this Spring by healing Mellve from his second war with prostate cancer! The TEN family celebrated that victory by saluting Mellve as he rang our Bell of Hope at our office on Tuesday, April 28, 2025, the day after he was declared cancer free!

The blessing continued on Friday, May 2nd as Mellve was inducted into the Sumner High School Hall of Fame His alma mater recognized Mellve's contribution to his community as a business owner providing jobs and the Founder of The Empowerment Network, Inc. working to save lives.

It was announced at our May 10th Support Group meeting by LaTricia Clark, PhD, of Clark College and University that Mellve is a candidate for an honorary PhD in their December 2026 class!

These are significant recognitions because, Mellve did exactly what he said he would do, and God acknowledged his vow with healing! 

The Empowerment Network joins

Christian Hospital to promote healthy living during the annual Family Health Festival on June 14th

More than 500 community members are expected to attend the Christian Hospital Family Health Festival, which kicks off Juneteenth, Father’s Day weekend. The festival focuses on family, health, education, safety, and fun.

This year’s festival is on Saturday, June 14th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Detrick Building and the parking lot, 11133 Dunn Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63136.

“We’ll have free health screenings, lectures, educational booths, a custom car, jeep and motorcycle exhibition, food trucks, and entertainment,” says Marcus Strauther, Senior Marketing Strategist for Christian Hospital. “A kids’ activities area sponsored by St. Louis Children’s Hospital that will offer car seat safety checks and child safety giveaways, including car seats, life jackets, and bicycle helmets.

“We will also be hosting over 75 prostate cancer survivors, caregivers, and their families from The Empowerment Network,” Strauther adds. “We hope to see you at the festival.”

The Empowerment Network, Inc. (TEN) will be featured in the festival as the organization’s monthly Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in the Detrick Building. TEN is a St. Louis-based, non-profit prostate cancer advocacy, awareness, and educational organization targeting men aged 40 and older, urging men to get tested and follow up with their doctors. Prostate cancer is treatable if detected early. The William C. Clemons Jr. Bell of Hope Award and the Survivor of the Month Award will be presented to TEN Survivors.

The founder of The Empowerment Network and 18-year prostate cancer survivor, Mellve Shahid, Sr., will be

signing copies of his book, "You're Still A Man: Surviving Prostate Cancer." 

“Men, we love our cars, they are our toys, but our Health is our Life,” says Shahid. “Come out and check out the automobiles and get a free PSA test, which could save your life.”

The Christian Hospital Family Health Festival activities also include:

·       Free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, and glucose

·       Prostate screening: Call 314-286-2587 to make an appointment; Walk-ins welcome

·       Live Music, Food Trucks, Giveaways, and mor.

·       A car and motorcycle exhibition

·       St. Louis Children’s Hospital Kids Area

·       Mammogram van: Call 314-747-7222 or 800-600-3606 to make an appointment.

·     Meet the Christian Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Team; Learn about Surgical and Nonsurgical Options for Back Pain

June is National Men's Health Awareness Month. Click on the above image and listen to two messages about focusing on your health, which is your wealth!

The William C. Clemons Bell of Hope Award

This honor is given to cancer survivors who have completed their treatment regiment

"Incontinency & Artificial Urinary Sphincter" was topic of discussion at the May 10th Support Group meeting

Dr. Gregory P. Murphy, (pictured below), Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Urologic Surgery at Washington University and serves as Director of the Reconstructive Urology Fellowship was the featured speaker.

High praise for the work of TEN

and announcement about the "Future Dr. Mellve Shahid"

LaTricia Clark, PhD, a representative of Clark College and University, offered heartfelt remarks at The Empowerment Network’s Prostate Cancer Support Group Meeting on May 10. Clark praised the organization's unwavering commitment to the holistic health of men, women, and families. She emphasized The Empowerment Network’s crucial role in educating the community, reducing disparities, and fostering hope through awareness and prevention.

Dr. Clark extended deep appreciation to the leadership and applauded the timely and informative message from Dr. Gregory P. Murphy, whose insights on incontinency and artificial urinary sphincters underscored the need for accessible, compassionate care. She also congratulated the recipient of the William C. Clemons, Jr. Bell of Hope Award, recognizing the organization's life-changing impact.

Lastly, Dr. Clark gave special recognition to “Future Dr. Mellve Shaid Sr.,” whose lifelong dedication to service and education reflects the very mission of the Network. She proudly noted that he is completing his residency at New Covenant Biblical and Educational Studies at Clark College and University and will graduate with the December 2026 Doctoral Cohort.

Mellve addressed the audience at the St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer during the organization's grant luncheon, thanking STLMGAC for its financial support to The Empowerment Network.

TEN prostate cancer survivor, Cardell Jordan featured

in above ad raising awareness about PSA testing

 September is National Prostate Awareness Month 

Prostate Cancer and the Importance of Regular Exercise

Courtesy of StlArgusNews.com

by Gogs-ProstateCancer.net

I grew up in a time before the internet, cell phones, and personal computers. My friends and I would spend most of the day outdoors from early morning to late at night. Everyone knew everyone. It wasn’t unusual to go inside a neighbor’s house to use the washroom or even look for food.

Exercise versus junk food

We all got plenty of exercise between riding our bikes, climbing trees, playing street hockey, and many other activities. Therefore, eating junk food didn’t seem to be a problem. And I consumed a lot!

The good news is, the early days of being physically active stayed with me over the years. Before retiring, I rode my bike to and from work for over 25 years. I earned a black belt in martial arts and trained four to five days a week. And on top of that, I was in the gym three to four times a week.

The bad news is, consuming junk food continued into my adult life. And I still struggle to eat healthy today.

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Our Mission Statement

The mission of TEN is to provide culturally sensitive education, prevention, intervention, research, support and advocacy services to males and their families on prostate cancer. TEN promotes best practices designed to help decrease the rate of death caused by cancer and to improve health outcomes among men and their families.

Support the Empowerment Network with your financial donation.

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Contact The Empowerment Network @ 314.385.0998

Visit our website: www.TENStl.org

LORRAINE HALL, INTERIM PRESIDENT, TEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MELLVE SHAHID SR., FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

SEN. ROBIN WRIGHT-JONES (RET.), EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Creative by

Walter Pritchard, Communications Specialist

Soaring High Media Group

314.338.1436; walt@soaringhighmediagroup.com