About Our
Members
Pink Nail Society is a 501C(3) non-profit organization that informs men about prostate cancer risks and is dedicated to bringing awareness to prostate cancer.
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We are making a stand for the men of South Florida and across the United States. Help share our message so that men everywhere will have the chance to save their prostate.
Early Beginnings:
Our founder, Stephen Tendrich, was a bartender in New York when his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) had already reached a level of 22; cancer had already dominated his prostate. The only recourse was his doctor suggesting surgery. Even after going through radical surgery and radiation therapy, the cancer cells in his body continued to increase in number. Therefore, it was decided to administer hormone therapy treatment every month to decelerate the growth of cancer cells. ​
Stephen T.
A Touching Exchange between Father and Son:
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In July 2014, Stephen and his father, Donald, were face-timing. Donald explained that he felt he lost his manhood due to the side effects of his prostate cancer surgery. To boost his self-esteem, Stephen decided to paint both of his pinky fingernails pink to demonstrate that one can still be a man, even with a little colorful nail polish. During their phone conversation, Stephen proudly revealed: "Dad, look at my nails. Yes, they are pink; however, I still stand here man. And, So Are You." On his phone screen, Stephen saw his father’s face light up with a broad smile… and ever since then, he has had a whole new positive outlook.
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To this day, Stephen continues to paint his pinky fingers pink and so does his father. Then and there, was the creation of the Pink Nail Society.
Erich S.
Erich Schilling has dedicated decades to volunteer work, notably with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the 1980s and 1990s, where he manned call centers for telethons in Massachusetts. He served as a phone operator, supervised call center operations, and tabulated pledges.
Beyond that, Erich volunteered with fire departments in Massachusetts, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, raising funds for Toys for Tots. He also supported the March of Dimes and Susan B Komen Breast Cancer Foundation through various events.
In 2021, Erich co-founded Mama’s Helping Hands Foundation in South Florida, serving as Co-President before becoming President in 2023. The foundation supports LGBTQIA+ and Leather Communities and honors individuals pivotal to these communities. Under Erich's leadership, the foundation collaborated with organizations like Broward House and Aids Health Foundation, aiding communities locally and internationally, including providing HIV medication to Venezuelans in need.
Additionally, the foundation raised funds for Mama’s Holiday Family Drive, assisting over 60 families with holiday expenses. They also hosted benefits for members facing health challenges, including one coping with cancer. In 2022, the foundation supported deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through fundraising efforts for organizations like The Center for Independent Living of Broward.
Wanda M.
Wanda is an exceptional advocate who has left a profound impact on her community. With a background as the 1997 National Chess Champion of Puerto Rico, she channeled her strategic thinking into a nearly 11-year career at the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), where she became a dedicated voice for LGBTQ+ veterans, especially during the "don't ask, don't tell" period.
Her commitment to education shines through her 11-year role on the Out Alliance's Education Team and her tenure as an LGBT Case Manager at Trillium Health.
In response to Hurricane Maria's devastation, Wanda founded Re-lief Corp, a nonprofit organization providing essential resources to those in need. Her advocacy extended to various boards, including the LGBTQ* Community Advisory Board, The Partnership Ontario County, Inc., and the American Red Cross. Simultaneously, Wanda's personal commitment to causes like farm workers and immigration advocacy through the Rural & Migrant Ministry, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, teaching chess to veterans, and her role in Rotary District 7120 showcases her broad and enduring dedication to making a positive difference.
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Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, teach chess to veterans at the Veterans Outreach, and is a Rotarian. Lives in Canandaigua, NY with her wife, two kids, and her lovely dog.
