Prostate cancer SURVIVORS Newsletter October 2026: Saving Lives, Restoring Hope

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.

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INSIDE THIS EDITION OF PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVORS NEWSLETTER

*Caregivers and survivors strut their stuff in statement-making fashion show

*Police Chief's health advocacy for 1st Responders

*A Video of brotherhood at work packing After Surgery Kits

*TEN Outreach Team on the road at Andy Seasoning Community Wellness Fair

*A WOO honor like none other

*Doctors recognized for their compassionate service and dedication to TEN

*October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month shares a man's breast cancer journey

Awareness, Action and Celebration

The Empowerment Network Takes Prostate Cancer Message Across St. Louis in celebration of September's National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

By Walter Pritchard

September was a month of awareness, action, and celebration for The Empowerment Network (TEN) as the organization took its prostate cancer message throughout the St. Louis metropolitan community during 2026 National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

From television and radio to podcasts, social media, news articles and face-to-face community outreach, TEN used multiple platforms to encourage men to learn more about prostate cancer, understand their risk and talk with their healthcare providers about screening.

At the same time, the organization continued doing what has been at the heart of its mission—providing education, encouragement, fellowship and hope to men and families affected by prostate cancer.

The month’s events wrapped up September 26^th with the inspirational, heartfelt, and well-attended 18^th Annual Fundraising Gala Luncheon at the Orlando Gardens Banquet Center.

The Orlando Garden Banquet Center came alive Saturday, September 26th with energy and hope as survivors, friends, family, and dedicated supporters united for The Empowerment Network's 18th Annual Fundraising Luncheon Gala.

Two-time prostate cancer survivor and founder of TEN, Mellve Shahid, said survivors, supporters, donors, family, and friends all came together to put together a collective effort to save lives and restore hope in people’s lives.

“I hope someone became more aware of his prostate health because of something we said or did,” he says. “We gave our time. We gave our resources. We gave our hearts.

“We tried.

“And if even one man's life is changed because we tried, then every hour, every mile, every dollar, every conversation and every sacrifice was worth it,” he continued. “September is gone, but the work does not end.”

“Give Me 10!” Reaches First Responders

One of September’s major community outreach initiatives was the “Give Me 10!” First Responders Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening Event on September 19th presented in partnership with the City of Moline Acres Police Department.

Police officers, firefighters, EMS professionals and their families were invited to participate in an event featuring free PSA screenings, metabolic testing, health education and community wellness resources.

The “Give Me 10!” concept delivered a simple message: taking a few minutes to receive a PSA blood test and becoming informed about prostate health could be an important step in protecting a man’s health.

Photos from the September 19th "Give Me 10" Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening as participants came together to make the event a monumental success.

September 26 Gala Highlights

A Celebration of Survivorship

The month reached a celebratory high point on Saturday, September 26, with The Empowerment Network’s Prostate Cancer Survivors Celebration Gala.

The gala provided an opportunity to celebrate the courage and perseverance of prostate cancer survivors while recognizing caregivers, healthcare professionals, community partners, supporters and others who have contributed to the fight against the disease.

More than simply a formal celebration, the evening represented what TEN’s work is ultimately about—survival, brotherhood, family, hope and life beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Featured speaker was Dr. Kelvin Adams, President & CEO, St. Louis Community Foundation. Rene Knott, popular veteran journalist and Lift for Life Gym Executive was the gala Master of Ceremonies.

Lannis Hall, MD MPH honored for her profound impact and compassionate care for prostate cancer survivors

Dr. Hall posing with Mellve Shahid and his wife, Hernietha Shahid

Dr. Hall shared from her heart - in her own words - the significance of the award

What a day!

I am so honored and grateful to have received this award from The Empowerment Network. It was a very emotional moment for me.

Thank you, Empowerment Network, for this recognition and for your tireless work in our community.

Thank you to my amazing team, to the First Ladies of St. Louis who came out to celebrate with me, and to my husband John for his constant love and support.

Uplifting and educating our community has always been a team effort. I love my team! ❤️

Dr. Martin Wice receives the TEN Board Member

of the Year Award for his dedication and service.

His commitment to excellence and his relentless pursuit of positive

change have not only inspired those around him

but have also significantly impacted our community.

Chief of Police Colonel JaMaal Davis of Moline Acres has been honored with the prestigious Blue Eagle Award, a testament to his unwavering dedication and leadership in health advocacy.

His commitment was particularly evident during the recent "Give Me 10" Health Fair and Prostate Cancer Screening Event held on September 19th, which emerged as a resounding success under his guidance. The Moline Acres police department had most of its officers tested for prostate cancer.

And now for the Big, Big, Big entertainment event of the gala!

"Year of the Caregivers"

Survivors and Caregivers Strut Their stuff for Cause

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to a dazzling celebration of resilience and style—The Empowerment Network Fashion Show!

This year's theme, "Year of the Caregivers," is a heartfelt tribute to those who selflessly nurture and uplift others. Tonight, we are honored to present a breathtaking collection from the Fur and Leather Center, uniquely modeled by extraordinary caregivers and prostate cancer survivors of TEN.

Each of these remarkable individuals not only embodies the essence of strength and grace but also showcases the spirit of modern trendsetting, proving that fashion can be both empowering and transformative.

So, let’s raise our voices and give a thunderous round of applause for this inspiring event that highlights the beauty and courage within our community!

A Staple of Hope

The TEN Prayer Team packing After Surgery Kits

for two men preparing for prostate cancer surgery

(Click on image or link below to view an inspiring video the brotherhood at work)

https://youtube.com/shorts/IOKCRRGHV-w?si=pk2taMQJrRHu1RGY

Coffee & Conversation Open House

The Empowerment Network invites men facing prostate cancer to join us for a special Open House during Coffee & Conversation, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Wednesday, October 21 at the TEN Cancer Center.

Come share a cup of coffee, connect with fellow survivors, and enjoy honest conversations in a safe, supportive environment.Whether you're newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or a longtime survivor, there's strength in brotherhood and power in sharing our experiences!

TEN Steps Up for Prostate Cancer Awareness at ZERO Run/Walk

The Empowerment Network (TEN) proudly participated in the 2026 ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk on Saturday, October 3, at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis.

The annual event brought together prostate cancer survivors, families, caregivers, and supporters to raise awareness, celebrate survivorship, and support the fight against prostate cancer.

TEN Outreach Team Strong Showing

at Andy’s Seasoning Community Wellness Fair

The TEN Outreach Team was in full force Friday, October 9th at the Andy's Seasoning Community Wellness Fair. The event was held on the Andy Seasoning campus, 2829 Chouteau Avenue in St. Louis.

The family-owned company has been bringing bold, delicious flavors to kitchens across the country since 1981.

TEN Support Group Focuses on

Medicare Enrollment and Healthcare Options

The Empowerment Network hosted its monthly Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at St. Philips Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Louis.

Featured guest presenter Terrel Lane, an independent life and health insurance broker with 15 years of experience, shared valuable information about Medicare enrollment, healthcare updates, health directives, hospital indemnity insurance, and other important healthcare options.

The gathering reinforced TEN’s commitment to educating, empowering, and supporting prostate cancer survivors and their families.

Happy 35th Anniversary, STL-TV for helping us change the conversation about prostate cancer and save lives

By Mellve Shahid

For nearly 19 years, STL-TV has been more than a media partner to The Empowerment Network. You were the first television station to open your doors to our organization, believing in our mission to raise prostate cancer awareness and save lives.

STL TV is St. Louis' local government access channel that produces original programs tailored to inform residents and promote the City of St. Louis.

Through powerful interviews, survivor stories, educational programming, presentations at City Hall and those memorable JFL sideline interviews featuring me and Kim Hudson at local football games, STL-TV helped bring prostate cancer awareness into the heart of our St. Louis community and sports. You gave us a platform to educate to inspire and encourage men to get tested and take charge of their health.

As we celebrate your 35th anniversary, we thank STL-TV and our good friend Andre Holman for believing in our mission and helping turn one man's promise into a movement of hope, awareness and empowerment.

Happy 35th Anniversary, STL-TV! Thank you for helping us change the conversation and save lives.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A Life-Changing Moment for Dennis DeShay

His Breast Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything

On his 61st birthday, Dennis, a member of TEN, received news he never expected: he had Stage II male breast cancer.

After noticing a lump behind his nipple and seeking medical attention, Dennis eventually underwent a double mastectomy. The experience affected much more than his physical health. He came to understand firsthand the mental and emotional impact that can accompany a cancer diagnosis.

As he navigated his own journey, Dennis became increasingly aware of how little conversation and visibility existed around breast cancer in men. What began as one man’s diagnosis eventually became a much larger calling.

From that journey came One Percent, a nonprofit raising awareness about male breast cancer and empowering men to take charge of their health.

Learn more about Dennis' One Percent awareness and education organization.

Visit https://onepercentddeshay.com/

Mellve honored as a "warrior" in his prostate cancer journey

The Warriors Overcoming Obstacles (WOO) Awards and Scholarship program is hosted annually by JADASA, celebrating resilience, courage, and inspiring personal stories. JADASA is a St. Louis–based nonprofit whose name stands for Journey Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse. Mellve was honored along with other recipients of the WOO award.

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.

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