About Us

Who We Are

Check It Today is a non-profit organization with the mission of increasing awareness, providing support and improving the quality of life for men and their families, in particular those impacted by Prostate Cancer.

History

Check It Today was founded in 2002. The birth of this outreach program came about as a result of the death of Mr. Percy Duncan, a lifetime national track and field coach who trained many Olympic athletes, including Ms. Laverne Hypolite, Founder and Executive Director of Check It Today.

Percy died four years ago from complications with prostate cancer, and like many men, was diagnosed too late. Since his passing, it has become the mission of the founder to create an organization focused on prostate health, cancer and the importance of awareness, education, prevention, treatment and better living.

Percy was a vibrant, energetic achiever whose passion for life continues to live on through his family, friends, and athletes. We will never forget Percy and his light will continue to shine through programs like this and the standards we set in fighting this disease.

Our Mission

Our mission is to educate and inform men and their families about the importance of prostate cancer awareness.

How do we pursue our mission?

Media Development – Our 2004 “Be Accountable” media education campaign will utilize various radio and television commercials to sound the alarm on “getting checked” and “taking action” against prostate cancer.

Research – Our objective is to continue to support research initiatives to understand why cancer is affecting our communities in such rapid numbers. Our research component also consists of analyzing diet, nutrition, and genetics; it is our mission to work with researchers on how these factors relate to developing a cure for this deadly disease.

Outreach Services – We have teamed up with organizations that provide: cancer survivor networks, support groups, counseling, treatment options, and educational materials.

Prevention – We strive to help our communities become more accountable through our media campaign. We hope to prevent the lack of awareness by addressing the importance of proper diet, nutrition, routine physical examinations, treatment options, and prostate health education.

Executive Team

Laverne Hypolite | Founder and Executive Director

Ms. Hypolite brings over thirteen years of experience and knowledge in the areas of sports, health and fitness, broadcasting, production and strategic planning. As a former national and world class athlete, and through her “Future Champions” clinics, Ms. Hypolite has touched the lives of thousands of young athletes around the world. She will lead the organization as it establishes itself as a high quality health and wellness communications initiative, based in the Atlanta area.

Jennifer Chattman | Chief Operating Officer

Has over seven years experience in the areas of marketing, promotions, development, sports and entertainment. She holds an MBA in marketing management from Syracuse University. Working in corporate America, Ms. Chattman honed her marketing skills to later create and develop her own marketing firm. Ms. Chattman has helped set the trend in Atlanta’s business industry as one of the most successful and innovative entrepreneurs.

Board of Directors

Walter Chattman | President

A recognized innovator, planner, and strategic decision-maker, Mr. Chattman brings strong leadership and over thirty years of executive management in the private and government sectors. He retired as the Associate Commissioner for the New York State Department of Corrections in 2001. Walter also distinguished himself on the gridiron as a professional football player with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and in the Canadian Football League. Walter received his B.A. in Sociology from Los Angeles State College and an M.A. in African-American studies at SUNY Albany.

Robert Medley | Vice President
Business Advisor. Mr. Medley brings over 35 years of business training and business development. Medley holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and is also a world renowned masters runner for USA Masters Track & Field. Mr. Medley has shown a lifelong commitment to youth and community, developing several leadership sports clinics especially to underserved youths.
Mr. Medley has two children and one grandchild, and resides in North Carolina.

Jule Lassiter | Treasurer
As a prominent attorney and judge, Mr. Lassiter has practiced law for over 15 years. Mr. Lassiter is very instrumental in many areas of business in Atlanta and beyond. He is recognized for being a visionary and dedicated to the development of small business in the city of Atlanta.

Lee Breedlove | Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Breedlove has had a long and distinguished career as an attorney in Atlanta, specializing in corporate and criminal law. Breedlove is a retired navy captain, who sits on the board of several area businesses including; the Georgia Women Business Council, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council and the Peachtree Project.

Stan Arango | Secretary
Secretary of Check It Today since its creation. Stan Arango brings over 30 years of experience in the business sector, and several other areas including nutritional advisor, public service, counselor, and advisor to Top Fortune 500 companies. Stan Arango is also an author and has received several honors and awards for his work.