The Walnut Foundation was founded in 2007 by the late Dr. Winston Isaac and Simon Samuel as a result of being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer but not able to find adequate support within the black community. The myths and misinformation about prostate cancer was very prevalent within the community. They realized that men need support during their decision making and treatment process. The group was formed to start the conversation about Prostate Cancer and to bring awareness about the disease affecting black men. It was incorporated in 2010 and obtained its charitable organization status in 2012.
The mission of the organization is to provide a safe environment in which men can seek out healthcare information and support to be responsible for their own health and well-being.
Statistics from the United States and the Caribbean has shown that black men are twice as likely than any other race to be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and twice as likely to die from it. In Canada, although we do not track race-based health data, there is evidence that black men are more likely to be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.
The Men’s Health Interest Group and the Prostate Cancer Support Group are the vehicles through which much of our work is done in health promotion and health awareness.
The organization which has a large Afro-Caribbean membership, focuses on Men’s Health and provides education and information on health and related issues at its monthly meetings. We are not health professions and we do not give medical advise however, we invite medical professionals to our meetings and conferences. We provide survivor experiences and encourage men to visit their health care professionals and to start getting checked at an earlier age.
We also accept invitations from church, community, and other groups to present to them or lead discussions on subjects such as prostate cancer awareness and men taking responsibility for their health. As well, we provide guidance to men and their families, partners, caregivers, and supporters with concerns about a prostate cancer diagnosis or related lifestyle and quality of life issues. Our signature events are an Annual Conference on Men’s Health in the month of October (now virtual) and an Annual General Health Symposium (now virtual) during the month of February in support of Black History month.
The affairs of the organization are managed by a nine-person volunteer Board of Directors and all of our activities are run on a volunteer basis. Our funding comes mainly from an Annual Walkathon and from the sponsors of our major events.
The Foundation is proud to be partnered with major Health focused organizations and Research Scientists to provide input into research projects which benefit the black community. We are also members of Princess Margaret Hospital’s True North Peer Navigation Program, a Movember Initiative, which provides Peer Navigation Support to men during their prostate cancer journey.
Https://thewalnutfoundation.com
Email:Info@thewalnutfoundation.com
Building awareness about Prostate Cancer in the Black Community
