The race to zero

One in seven American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the
course of his life. That’s one in seven fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and friends. But you can help raise awareness and keep families together by joining in on the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk this Saturday at Principal Park.

“The ZERO Run/Walk series is a national series of events taking place across the country to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer,” said Amanda Pini, marketing and communications coordinator at ZERO. “This is the first year in Des Moines, and our race director, Mark Good — who is also a prostate cancer survivor — joined forces with ZERO in order to raise awareness about prostate cancer — and the importance of finding it early — in his local community.”

ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer is a national nonprofit organization with the mission to end prostate cancer. In the fight against prostate cancer, ZERO advances research, encourages action and provides education and support to men and their families.

“The best way that people can lend their support is to join us on race day,”

The Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk will be held on Sept. 19 at Principal Park.

Pini said. “They can sign up for the 5K run/walk or simply come out the day of and support a friend or family member who is participating. We also have options for volunteers to come out and help us with race day activities.”

Perhaps one of the more genius campaigns in the 5K fundraising game, ZERO understands that some people simply can’t make it out on race day. Not to worry.

“If they can’t come out to the race the day of, there is a Snooze for Dudes option that allows you to join a team and fundraise from the comfort of your own home.”

The Snooze for Dudes option means you will be eligible for all of the same fantastic fundraising incentives as the participants who run/walk on race day, including a cotton shirt that “you can sleep in to show your support for ending prostate cancer.”

If you’ve got a little one who wants to lend his or her support, kids ages 9 and younger are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero on race day to remind their heroes — Dad, Grandpa, Brother and other male role models — to take charge of their health. The kids will participate in a short dash — Kids Superhero Dash for Dad — on race day and receive superhero capes.

“We’d like participants to feel a sense of community, whether it be with those in their area, as the events are supported by local businesses, but also with other patients, survivors and their families,” Pilis said. “Raising the funds is important, but so is raising awareness for the disease. Participation in the race helps build a sense of community between participants — survivors and families — but also raises funds for treatments, research, free testing and education.” CV

ZERO PROSTATE CANCER RUN/WALK
Principal Park
Saturday, Sept. 19
Snooze for Dudes: $35
Kids Superhero Dash: $15
5K Run/Walk: $35
Visit www.zeroprostatecancerrun.org and click Des Moines for complete details.