AskDad™ Virtual Town Hall

Breaking the Silence Around Prostate Cancer

June 20, 2026

The inaugural AskDad™ Virtual Town Hall, presented by Curt Cares, Inc., marked a major milestone in the organization's mission to increase prostate cancer awareness, encourage early detection, and inspire life-saving conversations among families and communities.

Created in response to Founder Curtis L. Murray, Jr.'s own prostate cancer journey, the event brought together survivors, healthcare professionals, advocates, caregivers, community leaders, and concerned families for an open and honest discussion about one of the most common—and too often overlooked—cancers affecting men.

The one-hour virtual event focused on educating participants about prostate cancer risk factors, screening recommendations, myths and misconceptions, family history, and the importance of normalizing conversations about men's health. Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasized that awareness alone is not enough; meaningful action begins with a simple conversation.

Curtis Murray opened the event by sharing his personal story as a prostate cancer survivor and explaining how his diagnosis inspired the creation of Curt Cares, Inc. and the AskDad™ initiative. He challenged attendees to become advocates within their own families and communities by encouraging fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, coworkers, friends, and neighbors to understand their risk and speak with their healthcare providers about prostate cancer screening.

A valued Curt Cares team member presented key statistics highlighting the disproportionate impact prostate cancer has on African American men and men with a family history of the disease. The presentation reinforced the importance of early detection, explaining that when prostate cancer is found early, treatment outcomes are significantly more favorable. Attendees were encouraged not only to prioritize their own health but also to become ambassadors for awareness within their churches, workplaces, civic organizations, and social circles.

The event also featured Dr. Jordan Neal, who served as the medical expert for the town hall. Dr. Neal provided evidence-based guidance on prostate cancer risk factors, PSA screening, early detection, and current medical recommendations, while answering participant questions with clarity and compassion. His expertise helped attendees better understand when to speak with their healthcare providers and why informed decision-making is essential to improving outcomes.

Addressing another critical aspect of the conversation, Carolyn Thomas served as the event's mental health expert. She explored the emotional impact a prostate cancer diagnosis can have on survivors and their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of open communication, emotional resilience, and seeking support throughout every stage of the journey. Her insights reinforced that mental wellness is an essential part of overall health and survivorship.

The town hall also highlighted valuable community resources available to individuals and families. Valerie Moise shared information about free programs, educational opportunities, and community-based resources designed to help participants navigate screening, support services, and ongoing care. Her presentation connected attendees with practical tools that could immediately benefit them and their loved ones.

A highlight of the event was the introduction of several free resources developed by Curt Cares, including the AskDad™ Conversation Guide, educational materials designed to help families begin difficult but necessary conversations, and the Screening Locator, which connects individuals with prostate cancer screening resources and healthcare providers. These tools were created to remove barriers, increase accessibility, and empower families with practical next steps after the event.

Participants engaged throughout the town hall by asking thoughtful questions related to PSA testing, family history, hereditary risk, communication strategies, survivorship, and how loved ones can encourage men to seek preventive care. The interactive format reinforced one of Curt Cares' core beliefs—that education is most effective when communities have opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Behind the scenes and throughout the presentation, additional Curt Cares team members played important roles in planning, coordinating, moderating, and delivering the event. Their dedication helped ensure a professional, informative, and welcoming experience for every attendee while advancing the organization's mission to educate, empower, and inspire action.

Beyond the educational content, the event represented the beginning of a broader movement. AskDad™ was introduced not simply as a campaign, but as a call to action designed to change the way families talk about men's health. The initiative encourages every participant to ask one important question: "Dad, have you talked to your doctor about prostate cancer?" That simple conversation has the potential to save lives.

The success of the inaugural AskDad™ Virtual Town Hall established a strong foundation for future educational programs, community partnerships, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy initiatives. Curt Cares remains committed to expanding these conversations through collaborations with healthcare providers, researchers, employers, churches, civic organizations, and community leaders across Oklahoma and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in reducing deaths from prostate cancer.

• Family history and race are important risk factors that should never be ignored.

• Honest conversations within families can encourage men to seek screening earlier.

• Mental and emotional well-being are essential parts of the survivorship journey.

• Free educational resources help families move from awareness to action.

• Community partnerships are critical to expanding access to education and screening opportunities.

• Every participant has the ability to become an advocate by encouraging one important conversation with someone they love.

The inaugural AskDad™ Virtual Town Hall reflected Curt Cares' vision of transforming personal experience into community action. By combining medical expertise, mental health support, community resources, lived experience, and meaningful dialogue, the event demonstrated that a simple question can start a conversation—and that conversation can save a life.