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GO BLUE! We are starting a non-profit in honor of our father, Tom, who passed away on November 28, 2014 from prostate cancer; a 21-year battle he began fighting at 48-years old. Our goal is to do for Prostate Cancer what Nancy Brinker (Susan G. Komen) has done for Breast Cancer- the two diseases have very similar statistics-kick its butt!
Our first goal is to raise enough money to finish the beginning phases of starting a non-profit foundation, including, hiring the legal expertise to make sure we have set everything up correctly, building a website, publicizing, and holding our first official fundraising event.
We have very clear goals in mind for the future, and any money collected over what we are hoping to raise here will go 100% toward the following: to help fund the development of more accurate and less invasive tests for early detection, and encourage younger men to get tested as part of their yearly physicals. Also, to educate families on the “real” statistics that clearly state this is “not just an old man’s disease.” We hope to educate the younger generation because more and more men are being diagnosed in their 40’s and 50's. We would like to support the various research groups that are working on medical breakthroughs, and of course, a cure. In addition, we plan to offer financial assistance to men that are unable to afford the latest treatment options available. For example, there is a new medication, Zytiga, which gifted dad time during the advanced stages of his fight. This miracle drug costs nearly $3,000 per month. He was fortunate enough to be financially comfortable in our home, as well as to receive a grant affording him the chance to live longer. We believe every man deserves that same chance. Perhaps one day we can help buy someone’s loved one just enough time for the cure to be discovered. We also want to offer counseling to men (and their families) that have recently been diagnosed; a legacy dad began as he fought his own battle.
We are aware that there already exist a few organizations that focus on prostate cancer: The Prostate Cancer Foundation, which has done a great job of raising funds, Blue Cure, which has offered amazing personal experience (sign their petition to light the White House blue in September), and Movember, which has done an awesome job raising awareness. What we plan to do-while offering whatever collaboration and support to every prostate cancer organization out there, after all, we are all fighting toward the same big picture goal-that makes us different is get women involved in a huge way! How do you save men’s lives? You educate the women that love them. This is a foundation primarily run by women, two daughters, a granddaughter, and one beloved son-in-law. We would like to see as many people wearing blue in September as they do pink in October. We want wives, daughters and sons pushing the men in their lives to get a PSA test and to be proactive. A lot of this begins with education. We have connected with a local woman that will be starting a line of nail polish, “Tom’s Girls”, so we can include women in this fight. Our dad loved to paint his girl’s nails with patient perfection.
Tom Lennon was a court appointed receiver in San Diego, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He gave to countless organizations, his time and heart. His initial cancer diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of other men was featured in a local news story in 1995, where his huge smile, giving soul, and fighting Irish spirit lit up the screen, as he offered hope to other men.
He was also instrumental in saving our local Symphony (pro bono) and was commended by the mayor for a job well done.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Symphony).
Dad simply tried to help anyone he came in contact with, and we want to carry on that legacy of generosity, as well as fight to take down the beast that silenced a beautiful heart. We wish for no other children to spend Father's Day at the cemetery.
We are donating the first $5,000 to back that wish. Please consider giving. Any small amount will be cherished beyond what words can express. Please share this with others and keep your ears open for future news on our foundation. We have big dreams for Tom Lennon for the Cure!
Our first goal is to raise enough money to finish the beginning phases of starting a non-profit foundation, including, hiring the legal expertise to make sure we have set everything up correctly, building a website, publicizing, and holding our first official fundraising event.
We have very clear goals in mind for the future, and any money collected over what we are hoping to raise here will go 100% toward the following: to help fund the development of more accurate and less invasive tests for early detection, and encourage younger men to get tested as part of their yearly physicals. Also, to educate families on the “real” statistics that clearly state this is “not just an old man’s disease.” We hope to educate the younger generation because more and more men are being diagnosed in their 40’s and 50's. We would like to support the various research groups that are working on medical breakthroughs, and of course, a cure. In addition, we plan to offer financial assistance to men that are unable to afford the latest treatment options available. For example, there is a new medication, Zytiga, which gifted dad time during the advanced stages of his fight. This miracle drug costs nearly $3,000 per month. He was fortunate enough to be financially comfortable in our home, as well as to receive a grant affording him the chance to live longer. We believe every man deserves that same chance. Perhaps one day we can help buy someone’s loved one just enough time for the cure to be discovered. We also want to offer counseling to men (and their families) that have recently been diagnosed; a legacy dad began as he fought his own battle.
We are aware that there already exist a few organizations that focus on prostate cancer: The Prostate Cancer Foundation, which has done a great job of raising funds, Blue Cure, which has offered amazing personal experience (sign their petition to light the White House blue in September), and Movember, which has done an awesome job raising awareness. What we plan to do-while offering whatever collaboration and support to every prostate cancer organization out there, after all, we are all fighting toward the same big picture goal-that makes us different is get women involved in a huge way! How do you save men’s lives? You educate the women that love them. This is a foundation primarily run by women, two daughters, a granddaughter, and one beloved son-in-law. We would like to see as many people wearing blue in September as they do pink in October. We want wives, daughters and sons pushing the men in their lives to get a PSA test and to be proactive. A lot of this begins with education. We have connected with a local woman that will be starting a line of nail polish, “Tom’s Girls”, so we can include women in this fight. Our dad loved to paint his girl’s nails with patient perfection.
Tom Lennon was a court appointed receiver in San Diego, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He gave to countless organizations, his time and heart. His initial cancer diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of other men was featured in a local news story in 1995, where his huge smile, giving soul, and fighting Irish spirit lit up the screen, as he offered hope to other men.
He was also instrumental in saving our local Symphony (pro bono) and was commended by the mayor for a job well done.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Symphony).
Dad simply tried to help anyone he came in contact with, and we want to carry on that legacy of generosity, as well as fight to take down the beast that silenced a beautiful heart. We wish for no other children to spend Father's Day at the cemetery.
We are donating the first $5,000 to back that wish. Please consider giving. Any small amount will be cherished beyond what words can express. Please share this with others and keep your ears open for future news on our foundation. We have big dreams for Tom Lennon for the Cure!