ZERO Prostate Cancer Concludes Fifth Annual Support Group Leader & MENtor Training with Record Engagement and Expert-Led Learning

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ZERO Prostate Cancer successfully wrapped its fifth annual Support Group Leader & MENtor Training, a two‑day national gathering designed to strengthen the skills, confidence, and impact of prostate cancer support leaders across the country. Held August 14–15 in Minneapolis, the event brought together over 100 attendees and speakers, including Dr. Mark Moyad and Alison Sachs, for a weekend of expert-led education, community building, and mission‑driven collaboration.

This year's training was made possible by the generous support of Pfizer, Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Sanofi, whose commitment to patient education and survivorship continues to advance ZERO's mission to ensure no one faces prostate cancer alone.

"Pfizer is proud to partner with ZERO Prostate Cancer in support of the annual Support Group Leader & MENtor Training. Education, peer-to-peer support, and community engagement are essential components of the prostate cancer journey. Through programs like this, support group leaders and MENtors are empowered with the latest information, practical tools, and connections needed to serve patients and caregivers in their communities. We are honored to support ZERO's efforts to advance patient education, strengthen support networks, and help optimize the patient experience from diagnosis through survivorship," said Sherri May-Rogers, Director, Advocacy & Professional Relations, Pfizer Oncology.

"One of the things that inspires me most about the prostate cancer community is how men who have walked this path are willing to help others do the same," said Rodney Gillespie, Senior Vice President, US Theranostics Head at Novartis. "Support group leaders and MENtors provide guidance, perspective, and reassurance at a time when it is needed most. We're honored to support ZERO in helping these leaders strengthen their impact and ensure that more patients and families have access to the support they deserve."

"At AstraZeneca, we believe that supporting patients extends beyond the medicines we develop," said Daniele Paone, US Vice President, Head of DNA Damage Repair, Gynecological and Genitourinary Cancer Franchise at AstraZeneca. "We're proud to partner with ZERO Prostate Cancer in empowering leaders, mentors, and advocates who help patients and families navigate their prostate cancer journey with greater knowledge, confidence, and connection."

Expert-Led Professional Sessions Empower Leaders Nationwide

Across two full days, participants engaged in a robust lineup of professional development sessions led by clinicians, researchers, mental health experts, and ZERO leadership. Highlights included:

• AI Tools for Prostate Cancer Support Leaders & MENtors — A hands-on session led by Shawn Olds demonstrating how leaders can safely and effectively use AI to improve communication, accessibility, and patient guidance.
• The Latest in Prostate Cancer Care: Straight from the Experts — A comprehensive panel featuring Dr. Charles Ryan, Dr. Adam Murphy, Dr. Tim Malouff, and Alison Sachs, offering up-to-the-minute insights on diagnostics, imaging, treatment innovations, and survivorship strategies.
• Holding Space & Honoring Self — Hakim Asadi guided leaders through emotional wellness practices, boundary-setting, and sustainable caregiving.
• The Why Behind the Numbers — ZERO CEO Courtney Bugler and Chief Mission Officer Brian Bragg explored how measuring impact strengthens trust, equity, and mission alignment.
• Awareness to Action: Leading with Health Equity in Every Interaction — Lisa Hall and Zaneta Taylor led an interactive session on applying health equity principles to every touchpoint with patients and families.
• Evidence-Based Wellness with Dr. Mark Moyad — A lively, research-driven conversation on lifestyle, supplements, and whole-person wellness for prostate cancer communities.
• Caregiver Breakout: Journal Writing for Caregivers — Jean Rowe offered expressive writing tools to support caregiver resilience and self-care.

A Weekend of Connection, Learning, and Leadership

Attendees participated in networking receptions, sponsor engagement opportunities, breakout discussions, and hands-on workshops designed to strengthen community leadership and improve support group experiences nationwide. The event also emphasized ZERO's commitment to health equity, culturally competent support, and evidence-based guidance for patients and caregivers.

Strengthening the National Network of Support

"Support group leaders and MENtors are the backbone of our patient community," said Courtney Bugler, President & CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. "This training ensures they have the tools, knowledge, and emotional support needed to guide men and families through one of the most challenging moments of their lives."

ZERO's Support Group Leader & MENtor Training continues to grow each year, expanding its reach and impact across diverse communities nationwide. We invite more leaders, survivors, caregivers, and advocates to join this movement, to step forward, share their stories, and help ensure that every man has access to the support, guidance, and connection he deserves.

To learn how you can get involved,  explore volunteer opportunities, or become part of next year's training, visit ZERO's support programs https://zerocancer.org/help-and-support/find-support-group.

About ZERO Prostate Cancer
ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For nearly 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. 

As the nation's #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Eric Miller, VP, Communications
ZERO Prostate Cancer
[email protected]
202-998-2507

SOURCE ZERO Prostate Cancer