Health

Dreaming, Believing in Prostate Cancer Cure

Published

10 years ago

May 22, 2015

Oakland Post

Robert Ginyard has come up with a unique way to fight prostate cancer. (Courtesy of DiBi Nation)

by Stacy M. Brown
Special to the NNPA from The Washington Informer

Robert Ginyard doesn’t have a cure for cancer nor does he have a concrete solution for preventing the dreaded disease.

However, the entrepreneur and prostate cancer survivor has been quite successful in providing a crucial tool for those who are recovering from serious illnesses, setbacks and whatever else might be a source of chagrin.

“My message is that you really shouldn’t have to face something like cancer or something catastrophic for you to go after your dreams,” said Ginyard, the creator of DiBi DiBi Nation, an awareness campaign that encourages all to live out their dreams.

DiBi DiBi stands for “Dream it. Believe it. Do it. Be it,” Ginyard said, noting that it’s a model he developed about one year after the radiation treatment he received.

He said he made a vow to God that he would live up to his dreams of not only being successful but helping others to achieve or at least reach out for their long held desires.

“A year had passed since the radiation treatment and I couldn’t sleep because I didn’t fulfill the promise,” he said. “So, this is really about second chances and to really not take one day for granted.”

“One of the things I try not to do is to be a motivational speaker where I’m trying to lift people up for the moment,” Ginyard added. “My goal is to inspire all to reach within themselves to come up with their own stories and when they leave my speaking engagement they can draw on their own experiences and search within their own soul.”

Applying the DiBi DiBi concept to his own life, Ginyard said he’s now fulfilled his pledge and has become a prostate cancer advocate, appearing before Congress and the Senate Appropriations Committee where he’s shared his story.

He’s advocated for increased funding for prostate cancer research and has been featured on ABC News and The Michael Eric Dyson Show and in both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Ginyard also serves as a board member and spokesman for ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer, a non-profit based in Alexandria, Virginia.

At Zero, officials have noted that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in African-American men but funding for research lags considerably behind other illnesses like breast cancer.

Further, statistics reveal that black men are more than twice as likely as white men to die of prostate cancer and African-American men are 60 percent more likely than white men to be diagnosed with the disease.

However, nearly 100 percent of black men diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis.

“When I’m talking to folks at board meetings, they [understand] that DiBi DiBi is universal,” Ginyard said. “Whether you are in Australia, China, or Mexico, everybody can look up and say, ‘Hey, my dream is this or that.’ That’s what’s been so amazing about the campaign because it crosses all racial and ethnic lines because everybody has a dream.”

Ginyard’s advocacy work primarily is geared toward helping to identify new research that could lead to a cure for prostate cancer and identify treatment options to improve the quality of life for men living with the disease.

“I know I’ve finally found my path and that is to motivate and inspire others to live their lives to the fullest and inspire others along the way,” Ginyard said.

A one-time banker and director of marketing for a national trade association before launching his own tote bag business, Ginyard has also created DiBi DiBi T-shirts which individuals can purchase and wear as part of the self-proclaimed DiBi DiBi Nation.

“The DiBi DiBi Nation is a group of strong, driven people and I am proud my message motivates others to pursue their dreams to bring about happiness and fulfillment in their lives and to the lives of others,” he said.

To purchase a T-shirt or for more information about Ginyard and DiBi DiBi Nation, visit www.dibidibination.com.

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Activism

LIVE! — TOWN HALL ON RACISM AND ITS IMPACT — THURS. 11.14.24 5PM PST

Join us for a LIVE Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of Racism hosted by Post News Group Journalist Carla Thomas and featuring Oakland, CA NAACP President Cynthia Adams & other Special Guests.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST

Published

1 week ago

November 12, 2024

Oakland Post

Discussion Topics:
• Since the pandemic, what battles have the NAACP fought nationally, and how have they impacted us locally?
• What trends are you seeing concerning Racism? Is it more covert or overt?
• What are the top 5 issues resulting from racism in our communities?
• How do racial and other types of discrimination impact local communities?
• What are the most effective ways our community can combat racism and hate?

Your questions and comments will be shared LIVE with the moderators and viewers during the broadcast.

STREAMED LIVE!
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/PostNewsGroup
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/blackpressusatv
X: twitter.com/blackpressusa

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NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention Highlights Black Voter Engagement, and More

A Friday panel featuring NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell and Regina Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media, examined Project 2025, an initiative perceived as a potential threat to civil rights, healthcare access, and environmental protection. This session emphasized Project 2025’s projected impact on Black communities, noting that policies within the initiative could diminish gains in civil and environmental rights over decades. Russell and Wilson highlighted the need for vigilant monitoring and community mobilization to address these challenges.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Oakland Post

NAACP State Conference President Rick Callender (right) engages in a discussion on voter engagement and community advocacy with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson during the 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention in Los Angeles. Photo by Rich Woods.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention concluded on Sunday, Oct 27, following four days of discussions and workshops at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Bringing together civil rights leaders, policymakers, and advocates from California and Hawaii, the convention operated under the theme “All In.” The participants discussed critical issues impacting Black communities, including criminal justice reform, health equity, economic empowerment, education, environmental justice, and voting rights.

On Saturday, the President’s Fireside Chat brought together NAACP President Derrick Johnson and CA/HI State Conference President Rick Callender, who discussed the urgency of voter engagement and community advocacy.

Guest speakers included Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), who spoke at the Women in NAACP (WIN) Labor Luncheon about the intersection of labor rights and civil rights. California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond delivered remarks at the Leadership Dinner on education equity, focusing on policies to ensure all students have access to high-quality education.

Honors were given to longtime social justice advocate and former Assemblymember Mike Davis for his work in community activism. At the same time, actor and activist Danny Glover and the Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown received the 2024 Legacy Hall of Fame Awards, recognizing their lifelong commitments to advancing civil rights.

The convention also offered practical workshops, including “What’s On Your Ballot?,” where coalition leaders provided analyses of California propositions, explaining their potential impacts on community rights and resources. The Voter Turnout Workshop provided background and encouraged participants to promote voter turnout through community-centered outreach strategies.

Sunday’s events closed with a Prayer and Memorial Breakfast honoring the contributions of past and current civil rights leaders.

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Atty Gen Bonta: U.S. Law Mandating Emergency Care to All Patients Faces Threats

The attorney general highlighted that EMTALA is vital for ensuring that no individual is turned away from emergency services based on financial status or insurance coverage. Bonta stated that the law has been a cornerstone of emergency healthcare for decades, providing peace of mind to millions of Americans who might otherwise hesitate to seek urgent medical attention due to cost concerns.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the critical need to protect the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), mandating that hospitals provide emergency care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay.

In a recent statement, Bonta highlighted the potential threats to this essential legislation amid ongoing discussions about healthcare accessibility in the U.S.

“EMTALA ensures that no one is denied access to emergency medical care, including abortion care, and this federal law is more imperative than ever following the overturn of Roe v. Wade,” said Bonta.

This decision to support the federal government’s case comes at a time when many healthcare providers are facing pressure from rising costs and legislative changes that could undermine existing protections. Bonta called on lawmakers to reinforce EMTALA’s provisions and to combat any efforts aimed at weakening the act, asserting that equitable access to emergency care is a fundamental right.

He urged state and federal governments to ensure that all Americans, particularly marginalized communities, have the necessary access to emergency services without fear of financial repercussions. The brief indicates the coalition’s commitment to healthcare equity, emphasizing that maintaining strong protections under EMTALA is crucial for safeguarding public health.

As discussions around healthcare policy continue, Bonta remains steadfast in promoting initiatives that protect emergency care access, asserting that everyone deserves timely and appropriate medical treatment in emergencies. His efforts align with ongoing legal and advocacy battles to preserve the rights established by EMTALA in the face of evolving healthcare challenges.