Featured Story
Service, Survival, and Hope: A Retired Colonel's 23-Year Mission Against Prostate Cancer
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Dr. Artie Shelton has served alongside some of the nation’s most distinguished leaders, including General Colin Powell and Congressman John Lewis. Today, his most important mission is helping save lives through prostate cancer awareness.
A 23-year survivor and dedicated PHEN Ambassador, Dr. Shelton continues to inspire men and families with a powerful message of faith, resilience, and the life-saving importance of early detection. Read his remarkable story and discover how one simple PSA test changed the course of his life—and why he believes it could change yours.
Ambassador Updates
Ambassador Dr. James Smith (Sterling, VA) Expands Prostate Cancer Awareness Through Media and Community Outreach
On April 9, 2026, Ambassador Dr. James Smith appeared on CBS 17’s Community Matters to discuss the disproportionate impact of prostate cancer on Black men. During the interview, he emphasized the importance of early detection and PSA testing while promoting PHEN’s upcoming HBCU Strong Tour rallies at North Carolina A&T State University and Shaw University.
Just two days later, on April 11, Dr. Smith represented PHEN at the 1st Annual Health Fair hosted by the Alexandria Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. With more than 200 attendees, he shared prostate cancer education materials—including Spanish-language resources—and, with the assistance of an interpreter, connected with members of the Spanish-speaking community. His participation helped expand PHEN’s outreach to an underserved audience while fostering a promising new community partnership.
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Ambassador Dr. James Smith represented PHEN at Inova’s first annual Juneteenth Health Fair at the Inova Schar Cancer Center in Fairfax, Virginia. During the event, he shared prostate cancer education, distributed PHEN resource bags, and connected with community members to promote the importance of early detection. Dr. Smith is working with the Inova team to strengthen outreach and increase screening participation at next year’s event, further advancing PHEN’s mission to reduce prostate cancer disparities.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, Ambassador Dr. James Smith joined PHEN, First Baptist of South Richmond, and VCU Massey Cancer Center for a prostate cancer education and screening event in Richmond, Virginia. The program featured presentations on early detection, survivorship, advanced prostate cancer treatment, clinical trials, and emotional resilience.
The event concluded with 93 men receiving prostate cancer screenings through PHEN’s partnership with Labcorp. By educating attendees and encouraging participation in clinical trials, Dr. Smith helped advance PHEN’s mission to increase awareness, promote early detection, and improve outcomes for men at risk of prostate cancer.
Ambassador Dr. Artie Shelton (Maryland) Strengthens Faith and Community Partnerships
On Ma
y 2, 2026, Ambassador Dr. Artie Shelton participated in the Health & Wellness Fair at Colin Powell Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland. Hosted by the Coalition for Community Health Empowerment and the National Council of Negro Women, Prince George’s County Section, the event provided free health screenings, educational resources, and wellness activities for the community. Dr. Shelton joined fellow health leaders to educate attendees about prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and connecting community members with PHEN resources.
On Monday, June 8, 2026, Ambassador Dr. Artie Shelton was invited by Bishop Kelsey, a four-year prostate cancer survivor, to speak with the Real Men’s Ministry at New Samaritan Baptist Church. During the session, Dr. Shelton educated attendees about prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular PSA screening. The outreach strengthened PHEN’s partnership with the faith community while encouraging more men to take charge of their prostate health.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, Ambassador Dr. Artie Shelton joined PHEN and Ebenezer AME Church for a prostate cancer education and screening program that drew a strong community turnout. The event featured 
presentations on prostate cancer awareness and early detection, including an educational session by Dr. Keith Crawford, along with support from church and community leaders.
The program brought together dedicated partners, healthcare professionals, and faith leaders committed to improving men’s health. Through education, community engagement, and prostate cancer screening, the event reinforced PHEN’s mission to increase awareness and encourage early detection in communities at greatest risk.
Ambassador Tony Hill (Jacksonville, FL) Helps Bring Life-Saving Screening to AME Men's Retreat
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Ambassador Tony Hill joined fellow PHEN representatives at the Sons of Allen Men’s Retreat, where approximately 160 men participated in a prostate cancer education session. The event led to 62 men receiving PSA blood tests provided by Labcorp, reinforcing the importance of early detection.
The program featured prostate cancer statistics presented by Ambassador Barney Morris, remarks from Rev. Adrian Backus, and an engaging question-and-answer session. PHEN’s outreach was warmly received by AME Church leadership, who expressed their appreciation and look forward to partnering again next year to continue promoting prostate cancer awareness and screening.
Ambassador Antonio Knox (Charlotte, NC) Expands Community Outreach Through Survivor and Faith-Based Engagement
25th Anniversary Symposium. He continued his outreach on Sunday, June 7, representing PHEN at Novant Health’s Cancer Survivors’ Day and Health Fair in Charlotte, where he connected with survivors, families, and community members while distributing more than 50 PHEN resource bags.On Saturday, June 20, Ambassador Knox shared prostate cancer education and distributed 25 PHEN resource bags at Union Bethel AME Zion Church’s Healthy Fathers program. He concluded the month on Thursday, June 25, by meeting with Atrium Health to strengthen future community partnerships, continuing PHEN’s mission to increase prostate cancer awareness and outreach across the Charlotte community.
Ambassador Arnold Merriweather (Jacksonville, FL) Advances Education, Advocacy, and Survivor Support
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Ambassador Arnold Merriweather spoke on men’s health and PHEN programs at the Southeast Region Anthropos meeting in Memphis, Tennessee, reaching approximately 35 men and distributing 35 PHEN resource bags. On April 13–14, he attended the ICCARE Consortium Scientific Symposium at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where he participated in advocacy training, presented on prostate cancer, and received the ICCARE Community Impact Award.
and Dr. Willis, Ambassador Merriweather continued his outreach, educating attendees about prostate cancer and distributing 40 PHEN resource bags. On Saturday, June 13, Ambassador Merriweather spoke at a community men’s health event and later led a support group at American Legion Post 197 for 18 men, providing education and encouragement for prostate cancer survivors.
He continued his outreach on Saturday, June 27, at the St. Stephen AME Community Health Fair, sharing information about PHEN programs and men’s health, and again on Saturday, July 11, when he welcomed Senator Tony Hill as the guest speaker at the American Legion Post 197 Men’s Support Group. Together, they discussed men’s health, PHEN programs, and distributed PHEN resource bags, continuing to strengthen education and support for men throughout the community.
Ambassador Jerry Womack (Charlotte, NC) Shares PHEN's Mission with Charlotte Men
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Ambassador Jerry Womack represented PHEN at the Healthy Achievement 5K/8K Run, Walk, and Ruck, presented by the Kappa Foundation of Charlotte. He staffed the PHEN information booth, shared educational resources on prostate cancer awareness and early detection, and distributed 31 PHEN resource bags to community members.
On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Ambassador Womack spoke to 32 members of the West Charlotte Men’s Breakfast Club, introducing PHEN’s mission, sharing his personal prostate cancer journey, highlighting the PHEN PATH program, and reinforcing the importance of the “Dr. PSA” message. The presentation concluded with the distribution of 51 PHEN resource bags, further expanding PHEN’s outreach in the Charlotte community.Ambassador Ray Fuller (Savannah, GA) Promotes Prostate Cancer Awareness at Juneteenth Celebration
Ambassador Llew Fambles (Dallas, TX) Expands Men's Health Outreach Through New Workplace Partnership
Ambassador Llew Fambles is working with the Project Manager at Delta Air Lines to launch the Wings of Wellness initiative, a workplace wellness program focused on prostate health, prostate cancer awareness, and other health issues affecting men in high-stress professions. The initiative is expected to begin in September with Delta’s Reservations and Care group, with plans to expand company-wide.
By bringing prostate cancer education into the workplace, Ambassador Fambles continues to advance PHEN’s mission of reaching men where they live and work, encouraging early detection, and promoting healthier outcomes through education and awareness.
Ambassador Jerry Knight (Mississippi) Promotes Prostate Cancer Awareness Through Faith-Based Outreach
the Pearl Street AME Church Health Fair. He continued his outreach on Sunday, May 31, during Greater Mt. Calvary M.B. Church’s Health and Wellness Day, where Dr. Justin Turner of the University of Mississippi Medical Center led a discussion on the importance of early detection. The event featured an engaging question-and-answer session, and more than 50 PHEN resource bags were distributed. On Saturday, June 27, Ambassador Knight participated in the Mt. Elam Baptist Church Health Fair, themed “Healthy Body, Strong Mind and Faithful Heart.” He delivered a brief presentation on prostate cancer and PHEN’s mission, shared educational resources, and distributed approximately 30 PHEN resource bags, continuing to expand awareness through faith-based community partnerships.Upcoming Ambassador Events
August 4, 2026: Ambassador Jerry Womack will be exhibiting at a National Night Out Community event in Charlotte, NC.
August 22, 2026: Ambassador Jerry Womack will be exhibiting at the African American Male Wellness 5k walk and Health Expo.