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Born From a Promise. Built on Purpose.
The Empowerment Network didn't start in a boardroom. It started in a basement, with two cancer survivors, a shared pain, and an unbreakable promise to God.
A Promise Kept
In March 2007, Mellve A. Shahid, Sr. had never had a sick day in his life. Then came the diagnosis, Stage 2 prostate cancer, and a doctor who gave him two years to live.
On the operating table, Mellve made a promise. He asked God to heal his body, restore his health, and give him a second chance. In return, he pledged to spend his life fighting prostate cancer and advocating for every man who walked the road he was walking.
God answered. And Mellve kept his promise.
In February 2008, Mellve and his late co-founder, Isadore Wayne, both survivors, built what they could not find in their own neighborhood: a real source of information, support, and hope for men facing prostate cancer. They started on a basement floor. Within months, over one hundred men had joined them.
Today, 18 years later, that promise lives on in every PSA test, every support meeting, every kit delivered to a man waking up from surgery, and every bell rung in celebration of survival.
"All I want to do is keep my promise to God. I just want to be a helper and humble servant to those who need my help."
— Mellve A. Shahid, Sr., Founder & Executive Director
OUR MISSION
Educate | Empower | Eliminate.
The Empowerment Network efficiently and effectively reaches uninsured, underinsured, diagnosed, and undiagnosed males aged 35 and over, and their families, to heighten awareness of prostate cancer, increase PSA testing and screening, and provide treatment referrals, education, resources, and support.
We believe that no man should face prostate cancer alone. And no family should lose someone to a disease that early detection can defeat.
Serving St. Louis Men & Families Since 2008
1,400 +
​Community Outreach Events
1,400 +
PSA Tests
Provided
4,700 +
Men Counseled
10,000 +
Support Group Attendees
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Mellve A. Shahid, Sr.
Founder & Executive Director | 18-Year, Two-Time Prostate Cancer Survivor
Mellve's journey from patient to advocate has made him one of St. Louis's most recognized voices in prostate cancer awareness. His grassroots approach, meeting men where they are, in their churches, barbershops, and communities, has exposed thousands to life-saving information. He is also the author of "You're Still A Man: Surviving Prostate Cancer," available by calling the TEN Cancer Center at 314.385.0998.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Meet the Board
TEN is guided by a dedicated board of community leaders, medical professionals, and survivors committed to our mission.
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Stronger Together
TEN's work is made possible through the support of our community partners, sponsors, and collaborators who share our vision of a healthier, better-informed St. Louis.
In Memoriam
Member Emeritus
Lou Richard
John Tyler
Co-Founder & COO
Isadore M. Wayne, Sr.
Our Partners
Marketing Communication Specialist
Walter Pritchard,
Soaring High Media Group