Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer

Sunday October 5, we friends in common cause celebrated 20 years of success of Maine Coalition To Fight Prostate Cancer MCFPC. Kudos were applied generously for so many who have helped over the years. Some who attended were brand new and got to see what the coalition looks like from inside. Nelson Leavitt was the only originator able to attend and knew most of those present, so he went table to table introducing and telling about each and every person present. MCFPC has touched the lives of a great many men and women over the years, giving them hope and encouragement.

One of the original purposes of MCFPC was to help start up support groups in the State of Maine and it has been successful in doing so. Identification of support groups can be found on our website, www.mcfpc.org.

Other originators were Harold Shapiro, James Irvin, David Breed, and Ronald Moody. Moody and Leavitt are the only surviving originators. Moody had other commitments and sadly could not attend. Michael Todd came into the organization in the closing days of the startup, but also was unable to attend. Michael became a director on the newly formed board of directors in the spring of 2005.

Other leaders after Leavitt, who was Founding President, were Terry Kungel, Anthony Youdsnukis, Mona Ervin, George P Jones III, Nelson Leavitt second term, and Brian Clough, current President.

Current board members present, in addition to Leavitt and Clough, were Sandra Jaeger, Andrea Martelle – Secretary, Jon Thibault, Rick Hazelton – Treasurer, and Paul Lewandowski.

Speakers for the event were Paul Lewandowski, who told about his work advocating for prostate cancer on the national scene and his appeal before the Maine Legislature this spring.

Terry Kungel thanked everyone who helped during his tenure of service as leader.  It came to light that Terry and Paul knew each other beforehand, because they had worked together advocating with congressional leaders to gain awareness of prostate cancer.

After the speakers, all enjoyed a buffet meal and social time.

As we finished up, we noticed there were several golfing teams at the outside picnic tables. We approached them by speaking with a woman in the group. We told her we would like to share our meal with anyone who was hungry after a busy day of golf. When we told her our mission, she said, “I have cancer in my family and I would be glad to tell everyone and give out your literature.” So that topped off a very good day of camaraderie and advocating.

MCFPC is continually available to men and their families. We will continue to keep up with the many changes and provide the latest information. If we are not always successful please do call (toll-free) 1-855-552-7200 x 801 if you have any valuable information to share or questions about information, dates, times, and locations.

~ Nelson Leavitt, Director and Founding & Past President