Men’s Health Month: Black Men Taking Control of Their Health

Event Description
June is Men’s Health Month, a time to bring greater awareness to the physical, emotional, and mental health challenges men often face, but don’t always talk about.
Join us for an honest and impactful conversation featuring Black men who have faced blood cancer and are sharing the realities of their health journeys. Through personal stories and lived experience, this panel will explore topics such as misdiagnosis, learning to listen to your body, trust within the medical team, mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, and how pride and fear can sometimes prevent men from seeking care early.
This conversation is about more than treatment. It’s about recognizing when something isn’t right, speaking up, asking questions, and understanding the importance of prioritizing your health before a crisis happens. By sharing their experiences, these men hope to encourage more open conversations around Black men’s health and remind others that seeking help, support, and care is not a weakness but a necessity.
Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, or supporter, this discussion will offer insight, encouragement, and perspective that could help someone take action sooner.
Schedule & Agenda

Dalton introduces the agenda and our speakers Oya Gilbert, Thomas Goode, Donnie Houston

Dalton introduces the agenda and our speakers Oya Gilbert, Thomas Goode, Donnie Houston

Insightful conversation with Dr. Gary Doolittle on how modern technology is bringing world-class oncology directly to your doorstep.

Insightful conversation with Dr. Gary Doolittle on how modern technology is bringing world-class oncology directly to your doorstep.

Come with your questions and we will answer them!

Come with your questions and we will answer them!
Speakers & Moderators

Dalton joined HealthTree in 2024 as the MPNs and MDS Program Manager. He is passionate about helping patients gain a better understanding of their health and treatment and sees it as a way to help empower individuals and their families who are affected by these diseases. Prior to joining HealthTree Dalton earned a Master’s Degree in Oncological Sciences while studying various different blood cancers. When not interacting with patients he is an avid snowboarder and hiker.

Donnie Houston was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2023 and underwent a stem cell transplant in September 2023. Currently on a monthly maintenance program, Donnie serves as a coach for the HealthTree Foundation and is an active member of the Fort Worth Multiple Myeloma Support Group. Through these roles, he provides encouragement, education, and peer support to patients and caregivers while remaining committed to advancing awareness, patient empowerment, and compassionate support for those navigating a multiple myeloma diagnosis.

Oya Gilbert is a nationally recognized multiple myeloma advocate, health equity leader, and Founder & CEO of the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation (HH&HH). After being diagnosed in 2017 following nearly two years of misdiagnoses, he transformed his experience into a national movement advancing early detection, equitable access to care, and culturally competent health education. A published contributor to peer-reviewed research and congressional witness, Oya bridges science, policy, and community. His 2nd Annual Hip Hope Ball convened leaders across healthcare, culture, and policy—including a U.S. Senator—to drive real action on health equity. Known as “Grand G,” he uses hip-hop as a catalyst for change.

Thomas Goode grew up in Virginia. After high school, he joined the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. His love for exercise led him to receive his Master's in Sports and Health Science. Thomas was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2005. He has undergone three stem cell transplants. He began his advocacy at his clinic by speaking to other patients about their upcoming stem cell transplants. In 2014, Thomas became a Patient Ambassador for a pharmaceutical company. Participating in this role allowed him to tell his story and encourage other patients to live their lives to the fullest. Thomas spends time at the gym, his haven for exercise and social networking. When he is not at the gym or cycling, he spends time with his family and friends. He runs a myeloma support group in his area and is on the International Myeloma Foundation's African American Initiative advisory council
Join the Conversation
This event is part of the Nutrition and Wellness group in HealthTree Connect, a social media platform for people with blood cancer. If you want to connect with other patients and caregivers and talk about this topic, join HealthTree Connect.
Have Any Questions?
Thank you for your interest in the event. If you have any questions, we would love to help!
Feel free to give us a call or send us a message below.
Get In Touch With Us
1-800-709-1113
Support@healthtree.org
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