June 2018 - Page 2 of 8 - The Archive Site for The Baltimore Times

Rambling Rose

Hello everyone, before I start to tell you about what’s happening in the entertainment world around Baltimore and the Washington Metropolitan area, I want to thank my “Young at Hearts” who came out to “Bangin’ with the Boomers” last Thursday at the Promenade DanceSport Facility on Lord Baltimore Drive. It was a great success and all who came seemed to have had a damn good time! I enjoyed hosting the event and seeing the smiles on the faces of my readers. It was a joy to see everyone laughing, singing and dancing with Shirley Duncan, the “Hand-Dancing Queen.”

We received a lot of compliments for the soul food lunch buffet that she catered and the entertainment presented by “Captain Fly Production.” We hope to see you all at the next event on Thursday July 12, 2018 from noon until 3 p.m. Bring, some friends with you! I promise that you will have an even better time, if that is possible. I have tickets call me at 410-833-9474.

Now, according to reports, you have really been reading my columns and I appreciate that. I received a note from Joe Cooper, founder and bandleader of Joe Cooper Project who wants to thank all the folks and the people in the community who came out to the Randallstown Library for the “Free Concertn Celebration of Make Music Day” last week, hosted by his wife and long time radio personality on WEAA 88.9 FM, Sandi Mallory. The Joe Cooper Project is one of Baltimore’s premier Reggae Jazz Fusion Bands. If you missed the event last week, you can catch up with them on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the “16th Annual Happy Nappy Day” Poets in the Park Festival from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gwynn Oak Park located at 5010 Gwynn Oak Avenue in Baltimore City.

Let’s not forget that next weekend there will be another outdoor concert held every year on the first Saturday of every month during the summer at the Avenue Bakery located at 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore City from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bakery owner, James Hamlin invites the public to come out to the courtyard at his Bakery Courtyard to the music concerts featuring performances by some of Baltimore’s consummate musicians and performing artists.

Guests may also contribute to the “Rebuild the Royal Theatre One Brick at a Time” Fund-raising Campaign, by purchasing one or more of the 3,000,000 plus bricks needed to rebuild the iconic venue. Each brick purchased with your donation will have your name or the name of a family member or friend engraved on that brick. So bring your lawn chairs with you and enjoy the music and the delicious food that his daughter and family will cook on the grill. Beverages will be on sale too.

The Rhythm Method Band will be perform at the Liberty Live Summer Concert on Friday, June 29, 2018 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 4100 block of Deer Park Road in Randallstown. The Festival opens earlier for your shopping pleasure. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the music.

You can find me at the “Liberty Live Summer Concert” on Friday June 29, 2018, in the parking lot of the shopping center located at the 4100 block of Deer Park Road in Randallstown, every Friday until the first Friday in August in a tent by the bandstand signing my two books along with many other vendors with lots of food, drinks, beer, clothes, arts & crafts and jewelry. Live entertainment will be provided by Rhythm Method Band and DJ Mike Jones. Bring your folding chair and enjoy. Kelly Carter of the Liberty Road Business Association is in charge. This is also free and open to the public.

Well, my dear friends, I got to go, I am out of space. I will see you somewhere.

Remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@ aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.

Local Inspirational Music Artist Releases New EP ‘Created to Worship’

BALTIMORE — Inspirational gospel music artist Naomi B. has made a name for herself in many circles over the years for her versatile vocals and growing ministry. Her fans have tried to remain patient in anticipation of her first project, and now their wait is finally over.

On July 3, 2018 she officially releases her EP entitled, “Created to Worship.”

Fans and supporters will be able to preview the album and purchase an advance copy during a listening party at GLA Performing Arts Studio in Roseville, Maryland on Friday, June 29, 2018, staring at 8 p.m.

Attendees at the event will experience a number of songs from Naomi B. and see to the showing of her music video for her single “Break Free,” which addresses the issue of sex trafficking, an issue of major concern in Baltimore.

Naomi B. has lent her time to supporting groups advocating against human and sex trafficking and that spirit of service has been central to her ministry and is a key part of the message she hopes to send with the EP.

“Created to Worship,” the title track of the EP talks about how, “as God’s creatures all of us were created to worship.

“My definition of worship is giving back to God what he gave to me— what He has entrusted me with,” NaomiB said. “What do you have that you can offer back? Worship isn’t just a song that you sing during worship service, but it is a lifelong attitude of gratitude and reverence to God for who He is and who He created us to be. And, we can express this through our gifts and talents.”

Getting to the release of “Created to Worship” has been a long journey for Naomi B. She had hoped to release projects on a few other occasions but always felt that something was missing, until now.

“I believed the music wasn’t quite there yet,” she said. “Now, I feel like I am with the right group of producers; I have grown as an artist; I have grown as a minister and I’m more sure of who I am. I wanted to make sure that everything was right, because you only have one time to make a first impression.”

Joining NaomiB at the June 29th celebration will be recording artist Therron Fowler; recording artist and producer Micah Smith (producer of Naomi B.’s song “Break Free”); and spoken word artist Chris Jones. WEAA 88.9 FM’s Jamal McCollum will serve as the event’s host.

Moving forward, there is a great deal of promise for Naomi B.’s career. She is booked for numerous upcoming performances and her ministry continues to grow in popularity, without the support of an industry record label.

“This is not just about music, this is ministry! And my purpose is to bring healing to people through my music,” said Naomi B. “My purpose is bigger than a record deal. It’s bigger than whether the music industry knows my name. I had to really understand that, because for a while I felt like if I couldn’t break into the music industry scene [the traditional way], I was somehow failing. But I learned that if you just let God open the doors for you, there is no limit to the success He can bring.”

For more information about Naomi B. and her new EP “Created to Worship,” visit: www.naomibmusic.com or follow her on social media at @naomibmusic.

Annapolis And St Mary’s County Sailing Camp For Youth With Learning Differences

ANNAPOLIS — Are you looking for a fun summer camp for your child with learning differences?

Operating for the 34th year in Annapolis and St. Mary’s County, non-profit Brendan Sailing Camp teaches students from 11 to 18 with a wide range of learning differences (dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADP, ADHD etc.) how to sail in a non-competitive environment, and uses sailing as a foundation for building life skills, self-confidence and social ability.

Brendan Sailing is currently enrolling at both camp locations, Annapolis Sailing School and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Annapolis sessions started on June 18 and will run until June 29 for Session 1; and July 2 to July 13 for Session 2. St. Mary’s sessions have both daytime and overnight sessions from July 18 to July 27.

Visit the camp’s website at www.brendansailing.com or call 202-638-2788 for more information about the program, session dates, times and tuition costs. Tuition assistance for the $650 camp is available through Brendan’s scholarship program. No child is ever turned down for an inability to pay.

Brendan Sailing is the first summer camp to follow the National On-Water Standards from U.S. Sailing certified instructors, providing up-to-date and professional sailing instruction tailored to youth with learning differences. Over 600 students have attended these camps and on the final day of both sessions, parents are invited to take a sail with their camper to show off the skills they have acquired.

Founder and CEO Jim Muldoon, has seen the tremendous growth that occurs within Brendan campers firsthand. He was inspired to start Brendan in 1985 after his son, who is dyslexic, became a confident sailor.

“One day I noticed that this young boy, who was having trouble telling his right hand from his left hand, knew port from starboard and that he was telling my crew, these big burly sailors, how to run the boat. And they were listening to him” Muldoon said. “That’s what this program does, it builds a foundation for self-confidence, allowing the kids to be more confident and sure of themselves, and not just in sailing but in other pursuits as well.”

An Annapolis area parent, Frank Fallon said, “Brenden is a program where my son fit in right away, gained a sense of accomplishment in learning to sail, made new friends and looks forward to every summer. As a parent of a child with learning differences, this is not something that is easily found.”

Parents start noticing immediate differences in their child’s behavior after a summer session. Lisa Whelan, a parent from the St. Mary’s overnight camp said, “My son gained a sense of confidence that extended to his day-to-day life. Before Brendan he was shy, but the boy we picked up from camp was more engaging, happy, and relaxed. I attribute this not just to learning how to sail, but also to the instructors he worked with and the new friends he made.”

Most of the camps instructors and staff have had personal experience with youth with learning differences making them particularly sensitive to the issues

encountered. Former camper and current instructor, Evan McCarthy has seen what Brendan can do first-hand.

“Brendan taught me a perspective on teamwork and gave me a life that has shown me new opportunities. This program helped shape me into the person I am today, and the skills I learned still play a huge role inside and outside of what I do with Brendan,” McCarthy said.

Brian Ganz And David Hildebrand Unite Music And Fine Art In Performance

ANNAPOLIS — Concert pianist Brian Ganz and music historian David Hildebrand will provide a lively interplay of instrumental music, poetry, discussion, song and fine art in their program “Hearing and Seeing, Music and Art” on Sunday, July 1, 2018, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis (UUCA), 333 Dubois Road in Annapolis at 3 p.m.

Ganz and Hildebrand, who are both on the faculty of Peabody Conservatory, have collaborated several times on programs at the National Gallery of Art and elsewhere to demonstrate connections between classical music and art.

They have created a new program for the performance, which includes Spanish influences, a tribute to Claude Debussy on the 100th anniversary of his death, and other themes reflecting fusions of music and the arts.

The program is part of the UUCA Arts in the Woods music series offered monthly on the first Sunday each month. The next program in the series is scheduled for Sunday, August 5, at 3 p.m. featuring the music ensemble Josh Long and Friends.

Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information about the performance, visit: www.tinyurl.com/UUCA-concerts or call 410-266-8044.

St. Francis Center Capital Campaign In Reservoir Hill Gets A Boost

In Reservoir Hill, West Baltimore, there are open-air drug markets; shootings seem to occur more often than not; and just about every family lives below the federal poverty line. It’s also the neighborhood that was wrecked by demonstrations and riots following the death of Freddie Gray and the ever-rising theft and robbery rates keep Baltimore’s finest busy.

However, something good is happening in Reservoir Hill, something that residents and those who run the more than half-century old St. Francis Neighborhood Center call “The Miracle on Linden Avenue.”

“Our programs have helped young ones improve their grades and build pride in who they are,” said Christi Green, the executive director of the center, which has launched a capital campaign to raise $4 million to update and expand the center.

To date, center officials say they have already surpassed half the goal with $2.1 million raised with support from companies like Under Armour and foundations like the France-Merrick and Knott organizations.

Another 30 percent of the $4 million goal may come from the Weinberg Foundation, which would put the center on track to break ground in September. The center has received grant funding from the nonprofit in the past and recently applied for funds from the foundation that would cover a large portion of the remaining campaign, according to Green.

“The goal is to be debt-free, so we have to raise all the [funds]. Green said. “If Weinberg, who we have a really good relationship with, funds 30 percent, we’d have about $700,000 left [to raise]. It’s pretty exciting and I definitely think we can do it.”

Green says she feels the pressure to succeed because for decades the center’s programs have served as a vital resource and catalyst for improving the lives of individuals and families in and around Reservoir Hill.

Among those programs is an eight-week summer youth development program, which engages youth between ages five and 18 in innovative service projects aimed at alleviating issues affecting the community.

The program is free to youth and families; and runs Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with breakfast, lunch and snacks provided. Children receive customized tutoring and participate in various educational projects.

Green says the goal is to improve pre-to-post assessment scores, behavior, attendance, and to prevent summer learning loss.

The center’s summer program costs $75,000 to run while separate youth development programs have budgets of $485,000 and $320,000.

“We have a three-year wait-list for kids to come in because we don’t have enough room,” Green said. “We’ve been through a lot here with Freddie Gray, the violence, the drugs, but one thing that’s been consistent since 1963 is our presence.”

The center’s programs have paid dividends. All students in the program are now earning B averages and above and Green and other center officials say that they are beginning to dream and so are their parents.

“We can see the children and the parents striving. Because the kids are doing so well, the parents are excited, and we have two families who are buying their first home and parents are going back to school and moving out of shelters, so cool things are happening, and we’ve become this model program that’s tucked away in the heart of Reservoir Hill,” Green said.

Plans for the new structure that will result from the capital campaign include adding classrooms, an art studio, a kitchen, greening projects, multi-purpose space, expanded media lab and library.

Once completed, the center will be equipped to serve more than 200 children in its education programs— an over 100 percent increase in enrollment.

“I feel very honored to work for this neighborhood,” Green said. “I feel like it’s exceptionally friendly despite the violent crime; [and] nearly 100 percent of the people in the neighborhood want better for the neighborhood.”

For more information about the St. Frances Center or to make a donation, visit: www.st.franciscenter.org.

Called To Help Baltimore Grow Financially And Spiritually

This is Part Two of a Two-Part Series on Ramsey L. Harris, Vice President and Territory CRA Business Advisor in the Retail Lending Distribution Management division at PNC Bank.

Baltimore native Ramsey Harris had taken the advice of his grandfather Bishop Huey L. Harris, Sr., founder of Abundant Life Church in Elkton, Maryland. He had passed on an opportunity to go away to Morehouse College and instead attend Delaware State University. Remaining in close proximity to the elder Harris allowed the younger Harris to be groomed in ministry by his grandfather. It also allowed him to be in the right place at the right time to talk to a PNC Bank recruiter about promising employment opportunities.

Minister Harris would begin a successful career at PNC. However, the day would come when he would be ‘called’ back to Baltimore.

“My mom got sick,” recalled Minister Harris. “I voluntarily made the decision to make sure I came back home to take care of my mother. I asked if I could relocate, and PNC provided me with an opportunity.”

After his return to Baltimore, Minister Harris would work with Annie Spain, branch manager of PNC’s Charles Village location. Like Harris’ grandfather, Spain would also take the young Harris under her wing.

“Annie Spain was my mentor in the banking industry,” said Minister Harris. “Meeting her opened up my eyes to the possibilities of climbing the corporate ladder at PNC. She created a career pathway. I attribute my stability in the banking industry to her. She had 30-plus years in banking. She also had insight and knowledge as to what it takes for minorities to be successful in the banking industry. We also shared a commonality in ministry.”

Under Spain’s tutelage, Harris would take flight up PNC’s corporate banking ladder. Over his ten-year tenure with PNC, the 36-year-old has served in positions, which have included branch manager of PNC’s Uptown Banking Center, and as Business Banker covering branches located in both East and West Baltimore.

As Business Banker, Minister Harris advised business clients with annual revenues of up to $10 million, prospected and created new PNC customer relationships, and retained and grew existing relationships through implementation of PNC’s brand of integrated Cash Flow Optimized solutions.

Harris currently serves as Vice President and Territory CRA Business Advisor in the Retail Lending Distribution Management division at PNC Bank. Harris is responsible for overseeing executing strategic plans that enable the bank to achieve specific Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) focused goals, and measures of lending to businesses located within designated, inner-city/Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) geographies.

“It’s an opportunity to take what I was doing locally in Baltimore and expand where PNC has presence,” said Minister Harris. “I am responsible for that piece of the pie for the East Coast. PNC is looking within those states to lend to small and minority businesses. PNC’s approach is to have someone lead that charge.”

The University of Delaware graduate currently serves on several boards, which include the Pimlico Community Development Authority (PCDA). He has been a mentor/facilitator for the “Stocks in the Future” Program in conjunction and partnership with Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Harris is now embarking upon the next chapter of his calling and ministry as Pastor/Founder of City Sanctuary™. This new, evangelistic church in Northeast Baltimore is preparing to launch in 2018 with an emphasis on addressing and alleviating the holistic needs of the community.

“We want to develop ministry that merges my background by establishing an actionable plan to make a difference in the lives of those in Baltimore City,” said Minister Harris. “All of what I do has everything to do with uplifting and empowering the community. My main goal is to take my knowledge and skill-set and pour that back into the community. I want to help people become homeowners and successful in business. That is part of my ministerial calling. I am called by God to merge corporate with church.”

He added, “That is what is next for me. I believe in this city, I am from this city, and God has something great for me to do here.”

NAACP Now Accepting Applications For 2019 NextGen Leadership Program

BALTIMORE — The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), is now accepting applications for the NAACP Next Generation program (NEXTGEN), the nation’s premier young adult leadership training program.

Applications will be accepted online for the 12-month leadership development, training program for young adults between the ages of 21 and 35. The program is designed to prepare members who are young adults for leadership positions in the NAACP. NEXTGEN features a series of trainings, including leadership development, legislative action, unit administration, advocacy and program planning consistent with the six NAACP Game Changer areas.

Members can apply for the NAACP NEXTGEN program by completing the online Application at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf32ste2H9ma0NWE3GDK123DrwP3G8-1VpbjV3KGnESqZZ5ag/viewform. The application process closes on December 1, 2018. Applicants will be notified by February of 2019. The 2019 NEXTGEN Training will commence in March of 2019.

The NAACP encourages young adult members of Adult Branches, At-Large members and former youth council, college chapter and Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics of the Mind (ACT-SO) members interested in being leaders in the NAACP, to apply for the NEXTGEN Program. Graduates of the training will go on to participate and contribute to the NAACP’s Leadership 500 (L500) Program. The NAACP NEXTGEN Program will work in tandem with L500 and the NAACP’s Youth & College Division as a vertically aligned leadership development initiative.

NEXTGEN launched its inaugural class last year with 233 young adults from 33 different states. Of those 233 members, 97 of them lived in 13 key battleground states critical to the Association’s GOTV Civic Engagement Plan for the 2018 Mid-Term Elections.

Nominate a young adult or former NAACP youth by completing the Nomination Form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEi8gWqdE-CeVeZ4IcTnGnomYYG5MdGBtkxOrmyirs0B82gg/viewform

Black Mamas Are Dying. We Can Stop It.

Black mothers are dying and it’s time to do something about it.

Every year, more than 700 American mothers lose their lives to pregnancy or birth-related complications. Some medical professionals estimate that at least half, if not more, of these deaths are entirely preventable.

While the deaths of 700-plus American mothers should shock us all, the statistics are much worse for African American mothers. We are three-to-four times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than our White counterparts. A 2010-2011 survey of maternal deaths in Philadelphia found that three-quarters of those deaths were Black mothers.

These shocking statistics cut across class, education level, and socio-economic status. Earlier this year, Serena Williams shared her own story about nearly losing her life.

She, like too many other women, was ignored when she raised concerns about her own health and body. If this tragedy can befall a wealthy, world-class athlete who’s deeply in tuned with her own body, it could, and does, happen to anyone.

Sadly, the situation is getting worse, not better. American mothers are dying at higher rates every year.

Globally, we’ve had real success in pushing down the rates of mothers needlessly dying, especially in Africa and the Caribbean. Yet at the same time, the U.S. is one of a handful of nations where the number of mothers dying is increasing.

We can and must do better. All mamas deserve the chance to be mamas.

That’s why I’ve introduced the “Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness Act” or the MOMMA Act, for short. This comprehensive legislation takes a multi-pronged approach to ending maternal mortality through increased access to care, expanded culturally-competent training and standardized data collection.

Currently, one of our greatest challenges in addressing the rising rate of maternal mortality is a lack of good data. We need to standardize data to find trends and protocols that work to save lives.

The MOMMA Act also establishes and enforces national emergency obstetric protocols and ensures the sharing of best practices between practitioners and hospital systems because, if it’s working, we want every doctor to know about it.

Additionally, the MOMMA Act would expand access to care by ensuring that mothers retain their Medicaid coverage for one year after giving birth, the entire postpartum period. Right now, mothers lose their coverage just two months after giving birth.

However, many women face significant health challenges, often weeks and months, after giving birth. One mom who spoke at my press conference unveiling the bill suffered a childbirth-related stroke 20 days after giving birth. Furthermore, we know that postpartum depression and other health challenges face new mothers; expanding access to care will ensure that moms remain healthy as they raise their families.

Finally, the MOMMA Act would improve access to culturally-competent care throughout the care continuum. For decades, we’ve known that culturally-

incompetent care has had massive and negative impacts on our community and our health. In 2018, it’s time to train health professionals to give appropriate care to all patients, regardless of their race.

I could not be prouder to have introduced the MOMMA Act or to have worked with the amazing women and men who helped us craft this important legislation to save mothers’ lives.

It’s the product of months of work with families, mothers, doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas and policy advocates. I’m deeply humbled to have the support of Black Women’s Health Imperative, the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the National Urban League, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and many others.

As a mother, I was lucky enough to experience two happy, healthy pregnancies. I want the same thing for every mother and family: a healthy, happy pregnancy and child.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly represents Illinois’ Second Congressional District. She is the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. She also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Follow Congresswoman Kelly on Twitter @RepRobinKelly.

Ravens Have Established A Quarterback Incubator For Lamar Jackson

Former Baltimore Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome had a specific idea in mind when he traded back into the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft to select quarterback Lamar Jackson. The plan all started when he signed the former No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III.

Griffin has been through a similar situation, as Jackson is getting ready to face.

Once hailed as the present and future of the Washington Redskins, Griffin thrilled the fans at FedEx Field by making a series of dynamic plays. The once-boring offense came alive with Griffin under center. Now he is in place to help another young, explosive playmaking quarterback in Jackson.

Another similarity they share is the challenge of being a black quarterback in the NFL.

“Is it different being an African-American quarterback in the NFL?” Griffin told Sports Illustrated. “Yes, it’s different. But you can’t look at it as a burden. You can’t look at it as something that is going to hold you back. It’s a challenge.

“You have to accept the challenge and move forward with it. Anytime you are athletic enough at the quarterback position and have similar traits to a wide receiver or running back, it’s going to be talked about. You have to eliminate that noise and understand that, because I have that ability, I am going to be even greater.”

Although Griffin is working to get his own career back on track, he understands the importance of being a mentor to Jackson. Griffin says he wants to nurture Jackson, so he is ready when it’s time to ‘leave the nest.’

Jackson will eventually take over for starting quarterback Joe Flacco and when he does, it will be Griffin on the sideline waiting for him with pointers.

However, the nest that the Ravens have in place in Baltimore extends beyond just Griffin as the backup.

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and offensive assistant Greg Roman are experienced when it comes to working with dual-threat quarterbacks. Mornhinweg coached Michael Vick with the Philadelphia Eagles while Roman coached Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco. They know how to maximize the play-making ability that Jackson brings to the table. Jackson will be brought along gradually as he transitions to the NFL.

The weapons put in place around Jackson will help him as well.

Quarterbacks tend to favor their tight ends because they work the middle of the field, mostly between the hash marks. Throws to tight ends tend to be more high-percentage passes, which help quarterbacks settle into a rhythm.

With that in mind, Newsome and the Ravens selected South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst in the first round (No. 25 overall) before Jackson at No. 32. They also added Oklahoma tight end Mark Andrews with the second of their two, third-round picks.

Both tight ends are outstanding receiving options. They’ll get to grow with Jackson for years to come.

The mentor, the weapons, and the coaches are all in place for Jackson to succeed— it should be a bright future for the Heisman Trophy winner.

Baltimore Prostate Cancer Advocate Diagnosed With Disease

As a doctor for over 30 years, Sanford Siegel has done more than care for men stricken with prostate cancer.

For more than a decade, he has spearheaded efforts that have resulted in raising more than $4 million dollars to fund research, provide free screenings and educate the community about this disease. Now, the fight has become personal for Siegel.

“Each year 225,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now, I am one of the 225,000. I have prostate cancer. Yes, me. It can happen to anyone,” Dr. Siegel said this week.

The beloved doctor says he has not bothered to question why the deadly disease has now counted him among its victims.

“I spent very little time feeling sorry for myself. My thoughts turned to my family, my community and all of the men and their families that have been touched by prostate cancer,” Siegel said.

Dr. Siegal says he has completed treatment at Chesapeake Urology where he serves as president and CEO and where he has done much of the work in helping those diagnosed. He is also using his unfortunate diagnosis to continue his advocacy to fight and to find a cure for prostate cancer.

“I am more dedicated than ever to increase awareness, to becoming an even stronger advocate for men’s health issues and to raising even money to find a cure,” Siegel said.

Just last year, Dr. Siegel helped raise $515,000, sparked by an annual Run/Walk event.

Chesapeake Urology’s cancer care program has provided free cancer screenings to over 8,800 men in Maryland and they’ve diagnosed many cancers that saved lives.

Dr. Siegel says Chesapeake’s prostate cancer research scholarship through the Urology Care Foundation of the American Urological Association has been fully funded to $1.1 million and they now have started a second scholarship to help inspire urologists to publish scientific and clinical papers to advance understanding of prostate cancer, genetics and treatment.

This year, during his 2018 Prostate Cancer Challenge Kickoff, Siegel’s goal is to raise $1 million as he prepares for the 12th annual Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Baltimore in September.

The beloved doctor’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“He has done a lot in examinations and fundraising with African American fraternities through leadership and significant contributions to improving the health of minorities” said Baltimore Times consultant Ackneil Muldrow II, who is president of Parker Muldrow & Associates. “He stages mas events with African American Fraternities for the betterment of the community through his Chesapeake Urology organization, a leader in this region.”

Dr. Siegel says he is still asking for support for others.

“Now, I have a greater passion and commitment to promote greater awareness, push for earlier screening and continue to raise funds for research and education,” he said. “I will not hide behind my disease. I will use it to make an even bigger impact.”

For more information about the 2018 Prostate Cancer Challenge Kickoff or to make a donation, visit: www.zerobaltimore.org.