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History

ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer began as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition in 1996 to grow the federal government's investment in prostate cancer research. During the last 14 years, ZERO has:

• Increased federal research funds by 500 percent
• Played a key role in a 40 percent drop in prostate cancer deaths nationwide
• Administered more than 100,000 free prostate cancer tests to men across the U.S.
• Distributed more than one million prostate cancer education/awareness materials

1996
About 60 prostate cancer researchers, advocates, physicians and philanthropists from around the nation meet in Las Colinas, TX to form the National Prostate Cancer Coalition. Robert Samuels, past President of the Urban Financial Services Coalition and a founder of the Harlem YMCA, is elected chairman.

1997
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition spearheads a successful effort to begin prostate cancer research funding at the Department of Defense, with the aim of rapidly moving new treatments from the science bench to the patient's bedside. Since then, this new avenue of funding has led to $1.05 billion in prostate cancer research dollars.

1998
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition organizes the march "Coming Together to Conquer Cancer" and delivers more than 500,000 signatures to Congress seeking increases in prostate cancer research funding. Prostate cancer survivors Archbishop Tutu and former U.S. Senator Bob Dole earn lifetime achievement awards at the organization's advocacy gala.

1999
In response to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition's enormous push, Congress passes a resolution calling for additional investments in prostate cancer research, prevention and education. Federal U.S. Judge Ralph Burnett takes over as chairman.

2000
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition is named one of America's 100 Best Charities by Worth Magazine, as the organization continues to make huge strides in increasing federal research funds.

2001
The organization begins management of the Drive Against Prostate Cancer, the nation's only mobile prostate cancer screening program, leading to more than 100,000 men receiving free prostate cancer tests since that time. World-renowned financier and philanthropist Mike Milken takes over as chairman.

2002
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition dramatically increases its public relations efforts to promote greater prostate cancer awareness, which ultimately helps to lower annual prostate cancer deaths by 40 percent.

2003
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani joins the National Prostate Cancer Coalition as its Honorary Chairman. NASCAR and Major League Baseball partner with the organization. "Who's Who Lawyer" and former Harvard University Fundraising Committee Head Wesley S. Williams Jr. takes over as chairman.

2004
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition staves off an attempt to eliminate the Department of Defense funding for prostate cancer. The organization surpasses the 10,000 mark for men screened at no cost onboard the Drive Against Prostate Cancer.

2005
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition partners with Gillette Co. and TV show "American Chopper" to construct a chopper and auction it off to benefit the cause. Through Gillette, actress Carmen Electra auctions off a dream date on Ebay.com.

2006
The Drive Against Prostate Cancer screens more than 20,000 men for free in a single calendar year for the first time and begins a national media partnership program to increase the average number of men tested per day.

2007
Thor Industries CEO and Chairman Wade F. B. Thompson becomes the first $1 million donor to the prostate cancer cause, issuing a matching gift challenge for those who contribute to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition.

2008
To better reflect its efforts, the National Prostate Cancer Coalition is renamed ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer and launches an array of new programs including the DASH FOR DAD national race series, Know Your Score golf tournament, and a major fundraising partnership with Kimberly-Clark. The organization also begins to fund research grants toward finding a better test for prostate cancer.

2009
ZERO tests its 100,000 man for prostate cancer onboard the Drive Against Prostate Cancer, thanks to numerous partners such as professional sports teams like the Tampa Rays and the Washington Capitals. The DASH FOR DAD national race series grows tremendously in its second year, hosting more than 3,500 runners by adding two marathon teams and a 5K in Buffalo, NY. ZERO's partnership with the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge brings additional races to Baltimore, MD; Harrisburg, PA; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO and Memphis, TN.