Announcing ASPI’s 2025 Award Honorees
Active Surveillance Patients International (ASPI), the first nonprofit founded by and for men on Active Surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 awards.
These annual honors spotlight individuals who have made a lasting impact through research, advocacy, and patient support. Whether by challenging the medical status quo, reshaping national guidelines, or ensuring men are never alone in their diagnosis, each honoree has helped advance AS as a safe and evidence-based approach to care.
Scroll through for an overview of each Award and its recipient or visit ASPI’s Awards page to find the full details.
DR. MARK SCHOLZ
Chodak Award
Award Presentation: TBA (Summer 2025)
Named in memory of Dr. Gerald Chodak, a pioneer in conservative prostate cancer management, this award honors clinical leaders who have championed evidence-based care.
Dr. Scholz, co-founder of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) and author of The Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers, was awarded ASPI’s prestigious Chodak Award. As one of the earliest and most vocal advocates for Active Surveillance, Dr. Scholz has helped thousands of men avoid unnecessary treatment through education, outreach, and a patient-first approach.
DR. MATTHEW COOPERBERG
Special Award for Advocacy
Award Presentation: June 26, 2025 – UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center, San Francisco
Dr. Matthew Cooperberg receives ASPI’s 2025 Special Award for Advocacy in recognition of his leadership and innovation in defense of Active Surveillance.
When a change to the NCCN prostate cancer guidelines in 2021 removed AS as the preferred treatment for low-risk disease, Dr. Cooperberg swiftly organized a powerful, grassroots campaign to reverse it. His use of social media galvanized a “Twitterstorm” that united urologists, researchers, and patient advocates in calling for reform. Thanks to his efforts, the guideline was reversed within three months.
DR. TODD MORGAN
Special Award for Advocacy
Award Presentation: August 2, 2025 – MUSIC Summer Gathering, Michigan
Dr. Todd Morgan is being recognized with ASPI’s 2025 Special Award for Advocacy for his courageous stand during a pivotal moment in prostate cancer care.
In 2021, when the NCCN prostate cancer guidelines quietly removed Active Surveillance (AS) as the “preferred” option for low-risk disease, Dr. Morgan—then serving on the NCCN panel—was the lone voice in formal opposition. His principled stance helped initiate a movement that ultimately restored AS to its rightful place as the standard of care.
HOWARD WOLINSKY
Thrainn Thorvaldsson Patient Advocacy Award
Award Presentation: TBA (Summer 2025)
Named for ASPI co-founder Thrainn Thorvaldsson, the award’s first recipient, this award honors individuals who empower patients through advocacy, support, and education.
A co-founder of ASPI and longtime editor of the Active Surveillor Substack, Wolinsky was recognized for his tireless efforts to empower men with low-risk prostate cancer. From launching ASPI’s first virtual support groups to publicly sharing his own journey to avoid overtreatment, Wolinsky has become a vital voice in prostate cancer advocacy.
“These awards were created to spotlight those who stand up for men when it matters most,” said ASPI co-founder and chairman Mark Lichty.
“Whether it’s challenging the medical status quo, reshaping national guidelines, or ensuring men are never alone in their diagnosis, each honoree has shown remarkable courage and compassion.”