Celebrating Leadership, Awareness, and the SOBAN Spirit: A Salute to SOBA Members-at-Large Chapter
SOBA America proudly congratulates the Members-at-Large (MAL) Chapter for delivering an exceptional and impactful Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Campaign—a campaign that not only informed, educated, and enlightened, but also strengthened the bond of brotherhood that defines us as SOBANS.
Throughout the month, our MAL Chapter set a gold standard for health outreach within our association. From their well-organized sessions to the clarity of their information flow, every aspect of their campaign reflected excellence. The presentations were not only rich in medical insight but carefully tailored to the needs of African men—addressing myths, risk factors, early symptoms, screening methods, and treatment options with remarkable professionalism.
What made the campaign even more powerful were the inspiring testimonials shared by SOBANS who courageously opened up about their personal health journeys. Their honesty, vulnerability, and resilience reminded us that prostate cancer is not just a statistic—it is a reality affecting fathers, husbands, brothers, uncles, mentors, and friends. Their stories breathed life into the message and underscored the urgency of early detection.
Above all, the SOBAN spirit shone brightly. The camaraderie, the engagement, the brotherly encouragement, and the shared commitment to protecting one another’s health demonstrated once again why SOBA America remains a family bound by purpose, legacy, and love for one another.
The cornerstone of the campaign echoed loudly and consistently:
If you are 40 and over, go for a test. No excuses. No delays. No fear.
A powerful reminder is the “1997 Rule”—a simple, memorable call to action urging all men who entered Sasse in or before 1997 (and therefore are now 40 or older) to prioritize prostate screening. It is a rule rooted in wisdom, in love, and in the responsibility we carry for our own lives and those who depend on us.
The success of the MAL Chapter’s campaign has set a new benchmark for what health awareness within SOBA America can look like. As President, I encourage every SOBA chapter across the United States and Canada to follow this example. Pick a month—any month—and champion a community outreach initiative that speaks to the health, empowerment, or well-being of our members and our wider communities. Whether it is diabetes education, mental health awareness, heart health, youth mentorship, or financial literacy—let us lead from the front.
This is how we build a stronger brotherhood. This is how we serve our communities. This is how we honor the values of St. Joseph’s College, Sasse—through action, compassion, and leadership.
To our MAL Chapter:
Bravo. Thank you. And congratulations.
You have inspired an entire association, and your impact will continue to save lives.