PCRI’s Harry Pinchot Receives Spirit of Philanthropy Award

Established in 1985 by an act of Congress, National Philanthropy Day acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the nonprofit community and recognizes the profound impact that philanthropy and volunteerism has on the fabric of society. In celebration, on November 16, 2005, the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, Los Angeles County chapter, bestows ten awards, culminating with its prestigious Spirit of Philanthropy Award. This year that honor is awarded to the PCRI’s Harry Pinchot, as the “Samaritan who best exemplifies commitment and effort to help his fellow man.” Huell Howser, the host of PBS’s popular television program “California’s Gold”, presides over the event in Beverly Hills.

It was a fitting award, because Harry Pinchot has helped prostate cancer survivors and their families everywhere. Considered one of the most knowledgeable laymen in the field, Harry was a founding member of the Prostate Cancer Action Network, a group organized to educate and inform legislative bodies about the need for financial support for prostate cancer research. A ten-year survivor of advanced stage prostate cancer, Harry’s poignant story was aired earlier this year on the national PBS television special, “Cancer Cures.” (If you would like a DVD copy, please contact PCRI).

Nationally, Harry is a Regional Director and a member of the Board of Directors of US TOO International. Locally in Southern California, he is a member of the California Prostate Cancer Coalition’s Board of Directors, is a member and speaker for the American Cancer Society’s Prostate Initiative Team, and is a member of the Advisory Board for California’s IMPACT program, which provides care to indigent men afflicted with prostate cancer. In the past year, he was in the forefront of the successful fight to reinstitute funding for IMPACT.

On the personal level, “Helpline Harry”, as he is often called, interacts directly with prostate cancer survivors and their families. In spite of his own medical challenges, Harry maintains a heavy workload as the PCRI’s Program Director, leading the PCRI’s crack Helpline team of educational facilitators in assisting patients who contact the PCRI Helpline for information and resources. He also speaks at support and fraternal group meetings, usually in the evening.

Seemingly tireless, he also networks with leading prostate cancer physicians and researchers to gather information on the latest developments for the team to pass on to prostate cancer survivors. Harry and his PCRI colleagues collaborate on the planning of each issue of Insights and other up-to-date education materials that the PCRI makes available to Helpline callers and prostate cancer support groups nationwide.

Harry recently received another salute, which stated in part:

“For more than a decade, you have dedicated yourself to educating prostate cancer patients about treatment options. In the midst of your own fight against cancer, you have provided hope and purpose for hundreds of patients whose lives have been changed through your example of compassion and perseverance. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your courageous service.” …Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California.

Harry Pinchot is dedicated to the PCRI mission:

“To improve the quality of men’s lives by supporting research and disseminating information that educates and empowers prostate cancer patients, families and the medical community.”

The PCRI does this without charging for any of its many services. Instead, we rely upon free-will donations from people like you.

We can’t all be like Harry Pinchot, but we can be just as valuable in the prostate cancer community by making a much needed contribution to help Harry and the PCRI continue this life-saving work. Can we count on you?

 

Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI)
 

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