Long Island, New York - On February 2, 2012 during the Congressional Session of the 112th Congress (2011 -2012) Yvette D. Clarke, Congresswoman, and Democrat – New York entered into record on the congressional floor Article 23 0f 2000 Recognizing Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day February 2, 2012.
Kevin Byrd is youngest Prostate Advocate in the U.S. and the newly appointed Health and Wellness Chairman for the 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc. Kevin Byrd’s recent appointment as Health & Wellness Chairman has already begun to revitalize health care issues across the Long Island region.
Most recently his appointment to Chairman of Health and Wellness lead to a joint task force to highlight disparities in health on Long brought together a diverse coalition of organizations such as Jewish Relations Council (Long Island), 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc. and Kappa Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Sorority, Inc. to address the urgent need to advocate for greater health awareness across a diverse region such Long Island.
On February 2, 2012 during the Congressional Session of the 112th Congress (Congressional Record
112th Congress (2011-2012)
RECOGNIZING PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS OBSERVANCE DAY -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 02, 2012)
SPEECH OF
HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY,
FREBUARY 2, 2012
• Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Prostate Cancer Awareness Observance Day, as recognized by the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation in my district and numerous organizations and municipalities.
• Affecting 1 in 6 men, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the second cause of cancer-related deaths among males. A new case occurs every 2.7 minutes, and is the cause of death of an afflicted individual every 19 minutes. Though for reasons yet to be discovered, prostate cancer is especially prevalent within the African American community, which makes awareness of this disease especially important within communities like my Borough of Brooklyn, New York.
• Despite these disparaging statistics, many forms of prostate cancer are readily treatable, and with increased early detection and treatment, current trends can be reversed. Education regarding prostate cancer and early detection strategies is crucial to saving lives and preserving our families; 200,000 men will be diagnosed and over 75,000 men will die from prostate cancer annually. At any age, deaths due to prostate cancer devastate families through loss of income, partnership, and support.
• In recognition of this disease and the large number of families and communities it afflicts, I stand with those today that recognize February 2, 2012,
• as a day to remember those who lost the battle against prostate cancer, and to pray for the families and friends that have dealt with such a tragedy. As a community, we also remember those living with prostate cancer, celebrate the lives of survivors, and thank all the prostate cancer organizations and medical professionals throughout the entire country who aid in victories against this insidious disease.
• One such organization I would like to recognize today is the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation. Started by two young individuals in my own district, Kevin Byrd and Blossom Brown to honor their grandfathers who were both lost to prostate cancer, the foundation has done a good deal of work within New York and nationally to bring attention to Prostate Cancer and methods to combat its continued threat to the wellbeing of our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and may we all offer up our prayers today to every individual that has been affected by prostate cancer.
"It is significant during the month of Black History Month that Congress recognized the extraordinary accomplishments of two young African Americans who had the courage and conviction to become founders of the BrownByrd Prostate Cancer Foundation which has made February 2, 2012 a day to honor those who have lost the battle to the disease, and also those who are currently facing challenges surrounding prostate cancer, and at the same time laying a stake in the ground to advocate for early detection and screening for prostate cancer. Co-Founders of the BrownByrd Prostate Cancer Foundation Kevin Byrd and Blossom Brown work and advocacy on the behalf of local, regional, national, and international communities across the globe is nothing short of great testament of what we can achieve in this great nation and universe when we remain committed and true to a specific cause and mission" Phil Andrews, President, 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc.
"We at the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation selected February 2nd as National Prostate Cancer Awareness day to acknowledge the Men that have suffered with or have lost their life from this disease. We believe that those that have been affected should be properly recognized and acknowledged for the life that they live or have lived. In addition, we acknowledge those that have lost family members to Prostate Cancer as well. I myself have lost my grandfather Solomon P. Brown to this disease and fight. I vowed that I would never let my grandfather life be lost in vain, but that it would be a testimony and one of the motivations needed to fight for a cure” Kevin Byrd.
“Kevin Byrd’s appointment to Chairman of Health & Wellness for 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc. is a great gain for the Long Island region, and we applaud his recent work which led to the Congressional record entering his achievements in the history books of this great nation” Phil Andrews, President, 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc.
For more information about the Brown Byrd Prostate Cancer Foundation 110 Wall Street 11th Floor, New York. N.Y 10005, or via telephone at 212 709-8335
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