BRAVEMEN INC.
About
The Mission of BraveMen Inc. is fulfilled through the unwavering commitment of its staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and the generous contributions of individual and corporate donors.
Our Story
In the Fall of 2019, former Ohio State receiver Dimitrious Stanley was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at the age of 45. He and his wife, Jessica, felt very alone and didn’t know where to turn for support. That’s when they decided to form BraveMen, Inc. – a community where men and their families could openly talk about their health concerns and find comfort in sharing their feelings of loneliness and fear.
Though Dimitrious lost the battle of his life in February of 2023, his legacy lives on in the hearts of many, and the impact of BraveMen, Inc.
What We Do
Getting the diagnosis, and processing all of ways it could impact a man’s life, can be a scary time – filled with a lot of unknowns. But No Man Fights Alone. BraveMen, Inc. offers a private Facebook group for men and their family members to connect with others for comfort, support and the sharing of resources and information.
Through the annual fundraiser, Buckeyes & Bourbon, various fundraising events throughout the year, and the generous support of corporate sponsors and individual donors, BraveMen, Inc. is able to distribute hundreds of Brave Boxes to men starting their prostate cancer treatment journey. The Brave Box is a Care Box of items that he may need along the way, and serves as a gesture of comfort from the provider.
Our Mission
Our mission is to elevate awareness and emphasize the significance of early detection in prostate cancer, fostering open conversations about men's health and providing unwavering support to individuals and their families throughout their journey.
Executive Director
Jessica Stanley
Jessica Stanley is the proud mother of three angelic daughters, Lexi, Aubrie, and Dakota, and wife to the late Dimitrious Stanley. She was born in El Paso, TX as a military child and moved around quite a bit landing in Columbus, OH in 1995. She has been in the health and wellness industry for over 25 years, owning her own business for 20 of those years. She has owned or been involved with several other businesses along the way and loves new endeavors. BraveMen Inc. is near and dear to her heart, having built it alongside her husband who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September of 2019. Her personal passions are health and fitness, helping others, and most importantly spending time with her family and honoring her husband’s legacy
Board of Directors
Joe Matessa
President
Joe Matessa is a sales and marketing executive that currently works in the Urology division of Boston Scientific. In February 2013, at the age of 43, Joe was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and had a radical prostatectomy. Now over ten years cancer-free, Joe is committed to helping men with prostate cancer through his professional work with Boston Scientific and his personal passion for the Mission of BraveMen, Inc. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Joe lives in Columbus, OH, with his husband Chris, and his twin boys Eli & Ricky.
Stephanie Pauley
Secretary
Stephanie Pauley is a policy writer and works in the medical field as an executive in state government. She is originally from Bardstown, Kentucky and she grew up in northern Ohio. A resident of central Ohio, she is the mother of one son, a medical student at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio. Stephanie spearheaded an Outreach Team consisting of attorneys, managers and investigators to visit high schools and technical/trade schools to teach the next generation of working adults their rights and responsibilities as future employees or business owners in the State of Ohio. She won an international NextGen award for professionals under 40 that recognizes excellence in the industry from the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC). Stephanie is passionate about health, and expanding the reach of providing assistance and prostate testing for all men, supporting the mission of BraveMen Inc.
Keith E. Dodley
Prostate Cancer Survivor
Born and raised in Columbus OH, a graduate of Columbus East High School. Joined the US Army in 1986 serving in many locations throughout the United States, Germany, Korea, and Iraq, with multiple MOS’s. Served as a Military Police Officer for 24years. Attended Grantham Univ. and retired in 2016 with 30 years of service. After retirement, rejoined the workforce as a Federal Police Officer until diagnosed with Prostate Cancer 2 years later. Currently working for the Federal Government, supporting our military thought-out the world. An active member of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, St Mark Masonic lodge #7, Far East Area Commissioner and a member of First Church of God in Christ, Men of Valor ministry. These organizations allow me to work within and support the communities’ through-out Columbus.
Amanda Howard
Amanda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in both the private and public sector of social services. Most recently as the Director of Insurance Coordination for Fresenius Kidney Care, ensuring dialysis patients had adequate insurance to cover the cost of their lifesaving treatments. She has seen first-hand the struggle to find support services for those with chronic disease, which is why she is passionate about BraveMen, Inc’s mission to help those affected by Prostate Cancer. In addition to her professional background, Amanda is a wife and mother to 2 amazing sons, 2 bonus sons and a bonus daughter.
Ty Howard
Ty Howard
Deb Messner
Deb opened Avenue X Fitness in 2018 and has been in the Health & Wellness industry for more than 25 years. For nearly 20 of those years, she worked closely with Dimitrious Stanley to create a fitness program for the City of Columbus and local gyms. With a focus on hard work, exceptional client communication and retention, she offers an unparalleled experience for anyone looking to stay fit and healthy at any age. Deb has experience with clients in her private base who are healthy and strong to those suffering with Cancer, Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and multiple join replacements. Additionally, her small group personal training model is the only one like it in the city with a client base that is consistently growing. The facility offers a boutique environment with Salt Room Therapy for every client.
Deb is no stranger to the adversity that comes with a start up business. Just 18 months into this new, successful venture, Covid required she close the gym for 3 months. While many in the industry closed permanently, Deb’s resilience and strong foundation were more important than ever when she essentially started this business a second time. With brand new obstacles she had never faced, new and innovative methods had to be created to attract and retain business. Today the business is strong and has weathered many storms. Deb has also used her culinary skills to self-publish two cookbooks that have helped clients enjoy life while staying on track with their fitness goals. When Deb is not in the gym, you will find her spending time with friends & family. All-American and professional athletes in the family created an atmosphere where sports and competition were synonymous with life itself. You will also find Deb enjoying all things sport related when she steps away from the business. She soon becomes a part of anyone’s extended family.
Dee Miller
Native to Springfield, Ohio, Dee Miller is a graduate of Springfield’s South High School where he was an All-American wide receiver during his junior and senior year. Dee was recruited by all the major Division I football programs in the nation. Dee took official visits to Ohio State, Michigan, & Tennessee. Dee chose to continue to his education and football career at the Ohio State University. Dee went on to become to be a 2nd team Big – Ten award winner his junior & senior year at the wide receiver position.
Dee is a member of The Ohio State Alumni Speaker’s Association and spends a lot of his time speaking to various alumni associations across the country about his athletic experiences at The Ohio State University and the National Football League. Dee focuses on education, adversity, and perseverance. Dee is still ranked in the Top 15 All-Time in Receptions at OSU. In the 1999 N.F.L Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Dee in the sixth round. After tearing his meniscus and being released by the Packers, Dee went on to try out with the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears. After a brief NFL career, Dee returned to The Ohio State University to complete his education and graduated with a B.A. in Sociology in 2001.
Dee began his State Farm Agency career on January 1st, 2006. Dee’s agency provides over 100 solutions to clients all over the entire state. In 2015 the Dee Miller Agency qualified for Presidents Club in Financial Services & Dee’s agency finished #3 out of 18,000 agents company wide. Dee’s wife Lisa is a Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University. Dee and Lisa have a son Drew Landon Miller and a daughter London Noelle Miller.
Dee and his wife Lisa also own and operates Millestates Investments LLC, which is a real estate company and invests in single and mutli-family homes in Springfield & Columbus areas.
Awards in High School
- Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year
- USA Today All-American
- WOL Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year
Collegiate Athletic Awards
- 2nd Team All-Big 10
Corporate Awards
- Ambassador Traveler Qualifier
- Eagle’s Club Qualifier President’s Club Member
Amy Stanley
Amy Stanley is a committed wife, mother, and grandmother. The blended family of 7 children and 8 grandchildren that she and her husband Wayne share together is her greatest joy and inspiration. Amy has lived in the Columbus area most of her life and has devoted her career to the mortgage banking industry. Amy has served on various Board of Directors over the years in the mortgage industry and is also currently serving on the Board of Directors for the community that she and Wayne reside. Since Wayne’s prostate cancer diagnosis in 2010 and after the devastating loss of their son BraveMen Inc. founder Dimitrious Stanley, she has made it her one of her life’s purposes to raise awareness for this cause.
Eric Ward
MD
Eric Ward
MD