About Us

We are a dedicated Black men’s health and prostate support group committed to improving the health and well-being of men and their families. Through a safe, supportive, and welcoming forum, we foster open discussions, provide resources, and create a space where men can connect, share, and find encouragement on their health journeys.

Our Mission

To provide Black men and their families with the resources, data, and support they need to live healthy fulfilling lives with or without prostate cancer.

Our Vision

A world where every Black man has equitable access to proactive and preventive healthcare and a healthy prostate. Through our commitment to education, advocacy, and support, we aim to transform health outcomes and pave the way for a healthier, more informed community.

Building Blocks for Better Health

1. Know your family history

Hypertension, heart disease, and prostate cancer runs in families. Understanding your history can safeguard your future.

2. Get screened early

Prostate cancer is not a death sentence, early detection saves lives.

3. Trust your family doctor

Find a doctor and cultivate an open and honest relationship. And take their advice.

4. Understand your numbers

Track your blood pressure, PSA numbers, blood sugar and know what they mean.

5. Participate in Research

Join a study or clinical trial and contribute to a body of knowledge focusing on African and Caribbean men.

6. Join a men’s health group

Spend time with your community and share your experiences with like-minded individuals

7. Donate

Invest in solutions that create better outcomes for men in our community.

Our People

Founders

Dr. Winston Isaac

Founder

Simon Samuel

Co-Founder & Second Vice-President

Board of Directors

Anthony Henry

President

Ken Noel

Executive Director

Gerry Callender

Director

Winston Klass

Director

Vernon Clark

Director of Membership Engagement

André Rose

Director of Youth Engagement

Eugene Brazier

Treasurer

Charles Estridge

Secretary

Dr. Winston Isaac

Founder

Dr. Winston Isaac

Dr. Winson Isaac founded The Walnut Foundation in 2007 as a Men’s Health Interest and Support Group, focused on empowering Black men and the wider community to take charge of their health. The idea took shape after his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, which sparked his determination to raise health awareness within the Black community.

With co-founder Simon Samuel and four other like-minded men, Dr. Isaac established a steering committee, marking the foundation’s beginning.

Read the Winston’s Story

Simon Samuel

Co-Founder & Second Vice-President

Simon Samuel

Simon Samuel, Co-Founder & Second Vice-President of The Walnut Foundation, is one of the key movers behind the foundation. As a co-founder and a prostate cancer survivor he found that information and support on prostate cancer in Black men were limited, The Walnut Foundation is a platform for information and support for the Black community. Mr. Samuel is currently self-employed as a Property Maintenance and Operations Manager and has been in that position for the past 25 years.

Mr. Samuel is an avid musician (guitarist, vocalist, and photographer). He is a Prostate Cancer survivor and was diagnosed in 2007 at the age of 49 for the condition. Mr. Samuel credits his own diligence about health for an early diagnosis and follow-up treatment. He encourages men to talk to their doctor about early signs of discomfort, how early diagnosis will save your life so that men do not have to die from prostate cancer.

Hear Simon’s Story

Anthony Henry

President

Anthony Henry

Anthony Henry is the President of The Walnut Foundation and a Managing Partner with Manulife Wealth Inc. With over 30 years of experience in finance, he brings strategic leadership to the Foundation, where he has served since 2012. Motivated by his journey with prostate cancer; as one of four family members diagnosed with prostate cancer, he is determined to break down barriers, advocate for open dialogue, and provide peer support. Anthony is committed to supporting Black men affected by the disease through open dialogue, advocacy, and peer guidance. A certified Prostate Cancer Peer Navigator with the True North Program at Princess Margaret Hospital, Anthony also leads key initiatives like the annual Walk the Path fundraiser and is an active supporter of the Movember campaign for men’s health.

Hear Anthony’s Story

Ken Noel

Executive Director

Ken Noel

Ken Noel, Executive Director joined the Walnut Foundation in 2014. He is an Information Technology professional working most recently as the Director of Global Information Technology for a global Canadian automotive manufacturer which certifies academic programs in health administration.

As a prostate cancer survivor, Ken Noel is passionate about sharing his experiences to educate others on the importance of regular monitoring and the positive outcomes that come with early detection and treatment. As a trained and certified Prostate Cancer Peer Navigator by True North, a Movember initiative, he is equipped with the tools to help Prostate cancer patients and their families navigate their journey. Ken organizes and convenes the annual Walnut Foundation conference a men’s health and wellness symposium.

Hear Ken’s Story

Gerry Callender

Director

Gerry Callender

Gerry Callender, Director is a retired elementary school administrator with over thirty-five years experience as a teacher, vice principal and Principal. Nineteen of those years were spent as a Vice Principal and Principal in Dufferin Peel Roman Catholic School Board. Upon retirement, he spent nine years as a Faculty Supervisor with the Australian Charles Stuart University Ontario in the Bachelor of Primary Education Department. Gerry was a member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Mississauga (now Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga) as a member of the Family Selection Committee and Family Support Committees.

Gerry brings his years of mentoring, organizing, and sharing to the Walnut Foundation. His father was a prostate cancer survivor who lived to be ninety-nine and a half years young. Gerry knows that prostate cancer survivors can live very long fruitful lives with early detection, diet and a positive outlook on life.

Winston Klass

Director

Winston Klass

Winston Klass, Director, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996. Early detection and a successful surgery transformed him into a champion and a pillar of support for men battling the disease. He has been a passionate advocate in building awareness about prostate cancer at both the provincial and national levels including as Chair of Prostate Cancer Support of Toronto. He started the Toronto Warriors, a support group for advanced prostate cancer patients and the Walnut Foundation prostate cancer support group for Black men the Board of The Walnut Foundation.

Hear Winston’s Story

Vernon Clark

Director of Membership Engagement

Vernon Clark

Vernon Clarke, Director of Membership Engagement, is a dedicated advocate for community health and empowerment. With extensive experience in community organizations, Vernon served on the Community Health Committee, contributing to a 1993 feasibility study that led to the establishment of a Community Health Centre in Milliken Mills. He has also been a long-standing member of the Markham African Caribbean Association and actively supported the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Upliftment Program (MACCUP), working in its Education Division to provide tutoring for youth in the Saturday morning school program for over ten years.

As a prostate cancer survivor, Vernon understands the importance of support and awareness in health journeys. He credits The Walnut Foundation’s resources as instrumental during his own experience with prostate cancer, and he remains passionate about sharing these resources with others, helping build informed and resilient communities.

André Rose

Director of Youth Engagement

André Rose

André Rose, Director of Youth Engagement at The Walnut Foundation, is a dedicated wellness coach, fitness advocate, and entrepreneur. With over 15 years in the fitness industry, André approaches wellness as a lifestyle, not just exercise. His passion led him to compete with the International Drug-Free Association as a novice bodybuilder, and he authored Buns of Steel: The Unstoppable Pursuit of Fitness, sharing his fitness philosophy.

As the owner of the luxury men’s underwear brand Steele by Andre Rose, André brings innovation and comfort to men’s apparel. Inspired by his grandfather’s passing from prostate cancer, André is committed to men’s health and advocacy. He also serves on the Canadian Cancer Society’s Black Advisory Committee. Through initiatives like the Rebound Wellness Experience and his Longevity System, André champion

Eugene Brazier

Treasurer

Eugene Brazier

Eugene Brazier, Treasurer, is one of the founding members of The Walnut Foundation and has learned a lot about health issues affecting men. One of his favourite quotes is: “Know and understand your numbers.” When the doctor says your blood pressure is 135/75, make sure you know what those numbers mean. He is a prostate cancer survivor who credits his family for his successful treatment.

Charles Estridge

Secretary

Charles Estridge

Charles Estridge, Secretary and a founding member of The Walnut Foundation, is passionately dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for early detection of critical health conditions. With a background in Bio-Science and Health Administration, and over 30 years of experience at a leading teaching hospital, Charles has held clinical, management, research, and teaching roles that add depth and expertise to our mission. His work with the Canadian Standards Association for over 20 years has been pivotal in establishing dialysis practice standards and developing educational tools and certification exams for Dialysis Technology.

Charles has also supported student assessments for entry into academic programs and professional certifications. Through his service on multiple hospital committees and partnerships with community organizations, he champions the belief that knowledge and early detection are essential to survival—the true keys to a longer, healthier life.