Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Edward W. Wright, Sr..
Hi Dr. Edward W., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The We Can Win Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formerly known as Real Talk About Prostate Cancer, was founded in February 2020 by Dr. Edward W. Wright, Sr., and his wife, Shajauana R. Wright. After months of intentional dialogue and planning, the organization officially launched in May 2021, emerging from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with a renewed sense of purpose. The foundation’s origins are deeply personal. Diagnosed early with prostate cancer, Dr. Wright began having candid conversations with African American men and quickly recognized a troubling pattern. Many admitted they did not know what the prostate was, where it was located, or what function it served. When asked whether they had ever been screened for prostate cancer, the answer, nearly 98 percent of the time, was no. Fear, misinformation, and stigma were pervasive. For many men, the long-standing misconception of prostate screening as an intrusive and embarrassing “finger probe” discouraged them from being tested for years. As a result, far too many men were being diagnosed at advanced stages of a disease that is now nearly 99 percent curable when detected early.
Following his diagnosis, Dr. Wright initially chose a treatment approach known as “watch and wait,” or active surveillance. This involved close monitoring through regular blood tests every three months and periodic biopsies, without immediate intervention. Over the course of his journey, he underwent six biopsies, an experience he acknowledges was excessive and physically demanding. In 2018, he made the decision to pursue a treatment commonly referred to as seed or marker therapy, a procedure in which small markers are placed near the cancerous area of the prostate. This allows radiation to be delivered with greater precision, minimizing damage to surrounding vital organs.
At the time of the procedure, Dr. Wright’s PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) level was 10.0, well above the normal range of 1.0 to 4.0. Today, in 2026, his PSA level stands at 0.10, nearly undetectable. He credits his recovery to his faith in God, an exceptional team of medical professionals at UT Southwestern Radiation Oncology, and a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Now approaching its sixth year, The We Can Win Foundation has experienced remarkable growth and impact. Its annual May event has expanded from fewer than 20 in-person attendees, six vendors, and three sponsors to more than 125 attendees, 20 vendors, and 14 major sponsors. The event emphasizes the critical importance of early screening and detection, community education, access to the latest treatment options, and referrals for PSA testing. Panels feature medical professionals, prostate and breast cancer patients and survivors, and caregivers who openly share their journeys, offering both education and hope.
The foundation also awards a scholarship each year to a graduating high school senior pursuing higher education in the medical field. In 2025, The We Can Win Foundation expanded its mission to formally include breast cancer and other cancers that disproportionately affect underserved communities, particularly African American communities, where disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes remain significant.
Dr. Wright often describes his journey as one that moved “from fear to faith.” What could have remained a deeply personal struggle became a calling. Today, he travels across the country sharing his story, encouraging men, especially African American men, to prioritize early screening and proactive health decisions, with the goal of preventing late-stage diagnoses and unnecessary loss of life.
The foundation’s work is strengthened by valued partners, including the American Cancer Society, Telix Pharmaceuticals, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Blue Earth Diagnostics, Carter BloodCare, Boston Scientific, and UT Southwestern Radiation Oncology. The organization is also proud to welcome its newest partners, Profound Medical and Texas Prostate, as it continues to expand its reach and impact.
Mission & Vision
The mission of The We Can Win Foundation, Inc. is to foster honest and meaningful conversations about prostate, breast, and other cancers through awareness, education, early screening, detection, and access to treatment options within underserved communities, particularly African American communities. The foundation is committed to addressing persistent health disparities, including medical discrimination, delayed diagnoses, and higher mortality rates that disproportionately affect African American men and women.
Dr. Wright is married to Shajauana R. Wright and resides in Glenn Heights, Texas. His personal and professional motto remains a guiding principle for the foundation’s work: “Let’s Keep Making Some Noise!” He attends His Dwelling Place International Church in DeSoto, Texas, and is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, my prostate cancer journey has been relatively smooth. Supported by my dedicated caregiver (my wife) and guided by faith, I gained a renewed sense of purpose, one that includes advocating for awareness, the elimination of costs for prostate cancer screening, and encouraging others to seek knowledge, support, and hope as they navigate their own journeys. Thanks to my amazing medical team, I was back to work about 2 weeks after my procedure.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a 6th and 7th-grade middle school educator at Curtistene C. McCowan Middle School, where I teach Texas History and World Cultures. While my academic focus is on helping students understand the past and its connection to the world around them, my broader mission extends beyond the curriculum. I am known for intentionally engaging students in both core content and essential life skills, ensuring they understand that long-term success requires preparation not only for exams, but for life beyond the classroom. This concept inspired me to launch the WinTogether Life Skills Coaching Program for scholars from 6th to 12th grade. A nation-wide program that helps young people with study skills, goal setting, motivation, and helps them thrive beyond the classroom. What sets me apart is my commitment to developing the whole student. I work to help scholars recognize their potential, navigate real-world challenges, and build character traits such as accountability, respect, and perseverance. Every student in my classroom and the WinTogether program understands the importance of respecting others and treating people the way they expect to be treated, principles that guide both learning and personal growth.
I am most proud of being selected by one of my students as a “Most Valuable Teacher,” an honor that reflects the trust, connection, and impact built within my classroom. I take great pride in the success of every scholar I teach and remain dedicated to creating an environment where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed academically and in life.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those just starting out, be it in the nonprofit space, education, or otherwise, my advice is to remember that what I do is more about relationships as much as it anything else. If teaching, master your subject, but do not underestimate the power of building trust, consistency, and genuine connections with your students. When students feel seen and respected, learning naturally follows. If it’s in the nonprofit/advocacy space, be genuine, transparent, and candid. What’s contained in your story could be just what a person going through the same journey you went through needed to hear at that moment. One thing I wish I had known early on is that you do not have to be perfect to be effective. Growth comes with time, reflection, and a willingness to learn from both successes and mistakes. Be patient with yourself, stay flexible, and understand that every situation will teach you something new.
Most importantly, never lose sight of your “why.” There will be challenging days, but the impact you make, often in ways you may not immediately see, can shape a person’s confidence, mindset, and future. When it comes to teaching, stay grounded in your purpose, advocate for your students, and always teach with both excellence and heart. In anything else, just remember this: “To be impressive is worthless, To be effective is priceless.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wecanwinpc.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtalkaboutprostatecancer
