D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall launches Pro-State Foundation

PHOENIX - D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall today announced the launch of his new charitable endeavor, the Pro-State Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving as a comprehensive tool for those who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families to help them understand the challenges and choices they face and how they can maintain a "pro" state of mind.

"Cancer can be a frightening journey but a positive state of mind is powerful medicine," said Hall. "Our number one goal is to make sure those diagnosed with prostate cancer realize that they're not alone. Through the power of united group efforts, one person can lean on many to overcome the challenges that he faces."

The foundation's website, www.pro-state.org, will serve as a resource for medical patients who find themselves embarking upon unknown territory with a recent prostate cancer diagnosis. The site provides access to support groups, access to free screening/testing, financial assistance and an FAQ section with information organized by Phoenix-based Dr. Y. Mark Hong, a Board-certified urologist and passionate philanthropist who is on the Foundation's Board of Directors.

Others on the Board of Directors include Hall's wife, Amy; D-backs Managing General Partner and prostate cancer survivor Ken Kendrick, Firetrace CEO Bill Eckholm, Leslie's Pools CEO Lawrence H. Hayward, insurance industry veteran Scott Zimmerman, D-backs Vice President of Corporate and Community Impact Debbie Castaldo and prostate cancer survivor Brian Booker, a leading local attorney.

More than 250,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year - one in six men - with more than 30,000 men succumbing to the disease on an annual basis, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer but there are millions of cases of men who beat the disease and live long and healthy lives.

Hall is one of those men and with each and every visitor to pro-state.org and every dollar donated to the cause, millions of people around the world and their families can be impacted in a positive way.

Known throughout the Valley and the game of baseball for his never-ending positivity and pioneering spirit, Hall turned the franchise into a model organization focused on a fan experience and corporate culture that was second-to-none, paired with the goal of competing for a championship on the field each year and giving back to the community in a meaningful way. But he faced his biggest challenge in September, 2011 when he learned that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer at the young age of 42.

Within days, Hall began using his platform as one of the state's most influential business leaders to encourage all men to get tested after age 40, as his early diagnosis led to his successful surgery and treatment, as well as a current clean bill of health. For Hall, it was this approach and the support of those around him that helped him get through the most difficult time of his life and has put him and the D-backs back on the winning track.

This Saturday, the D-backs will host the second annual Race Against Cancer, presented by University of Arizona Cancer Center at St. Joseph's Hospital, on May 3 with proceeds benefitting the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and The Derrick Hall Pro-State Foundation. For more information or to register for the race, visit dbacks.com/race