ZERO Prostate Cancer, the nation’s leading prostate cancer nonprofit, is proud to announce that Dr. Carrie DeFuss, a highly respected Nurse Practitioner and longtime advocate for prostate cancer patients, will take on the ZERO Peaks Challenge, a five-day trek to Machu Picchu, Peru to raise awareness and critical funds for prostate cancer patients and families.
With more than 25 years of experience in urology, Dr. DeFuss has dedicated her career to helping men face one of the most common and life-changing diagnoses: prostate cancer. She also leads her local ZERO Prostate Cancer Support Group, bringing men and their families together for education, encouragement, and fellowship. Now, she’s stepping far outside her comfort zone, camping under the stars, climbing thousands of feet in elevation, and tackling the rugged Andes mountains to honor the courage of the more than 3 million prostate cancer survivors living today.
“For me, this challenge is about every patient, every survivor, and every family I’ve walked alongside,” said Dr. DeFuss. “Just as they’ve faced fear, uncertainty, and the unknown in their journeys, I’ll face mine on this trek. Every step I take will be powered by their strength and their stories.”
The ZERO Peaks Challenge calls changemakers like Dr. DeFuss to “make prostate cancer take a hike” by scaling legendary mountains and raising vital funds. Dr. DeFuss has set a personal goal of raising $30,000 to fuel ZERO’s life-saving programs, from free PSA testing and patient navigation services to research, advocacy, and nationwide support groups.
Why this cause matters:
- 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
- Black men are twice as likely to die from the disease.
- Veterans face nearly double the risk of diagnosis.
- When caught early, prostate cancer has a nearly 100% five-year survival rate.
Donations to Dr. DeFuss’s climb will directly support ZERO’s critical programs, including:
- $25: Educational resources for newly diagnosed patients and caregivers.
- $100: One PSA test for early detection.
- $250: Personalized navigation through ZERO360 case managers.
- $500: Support for survivors through the MENtor program.
- $1,000: Training for Support Group Leaders who bring local support to families in need.
“This trek is symbolic,” added Dr. DeFuss. “Every rocky path, every steep climb represents the challenges prostate cancer patients endure. Together, we can make sure no man has to face this disease alone.”
Dr. DeFuss invites the community to join her mission and make each step count. Contributions can be made through her fundraising page: https://support.zerocancer.org/goto/CarrieDeFuss
About ZERO Prostate Cancer
ZERO Prostate Cancer is the nation’s leading nonprofit in the fight against prostate cancer. ZERO advances a future where detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. From free testing and direct patient support to groundbreaking advocacy and awareness campaigns, ZERO is committed to ending prostate cancer once and for all.
Learn more at zerocancer.org.
