ZERO Hosts 30+ Run/Walk Events To End Prostate Cancer And Create Generation ZERO

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer is hosting more than 30 run/walk events across the nation to raise funds and awareness to end prostate cancer, a disease that affects one in seven American men.

"Thousands are making a choice for a healthy lifestyle by walking or running to help end prostate cancer," ZERO CEO Jamie Bearse said. "With the help of our 100-plus local partner network including doctor offices, local charities, and sponsors who come together for our family-friendly run/walk series, we're taking a huge step closer to creating Generation ZERO – the first generation of men free from prostate cancer."

The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Series is hosted by ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer and its local partners, such as urology practices and oncology centers, in 34 cities across the U.S. From Washington, DC to Los Angeles, the series brings together athletes, cancer patients and survivors, physicians, caretakers, family members, and friends in the fight to end prostate cancer. The events have a family-friendly focus, and most consist of a 5K run and a 1 mile walk. National sponsors include Abbvie, Astellas, Medivation, Janssen, Bayer, Millennium, and Patient Access Network Foundation.

Washington, DC-area resident Cheryl Nikituk is taking part in the run/walk, along with her daughters Tara and Meghan, for the seventh year in a row in honor of her late husband Paul. Paul was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2005 and succumbed to the disease 14 months later. As Team Nikituk, they have raised more than $50,000.

"Paul wanted us to do something to prevent this from happening to others so we forged ahead and became involved with ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer. The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk is a great way to raise awareness and get the public involved in the fight to end prostate cancer," said Cheryl. "We think it is imperative for both men and women to be knowledgeable about this disease and learn the importance of early detection." 

Two new and exciting programs were added to the run/walk series in 2014. Kids ages nine and under can take part in the Kids Superhero Dash for Dad, where they will participate in a short dash on race day and receive superhero capes. They are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero on race day to remind their heroes – Dad, Grandpa and other male role models – to take charge of their health.

Also new to the run/walk series is the Snooze For Dudes program. Participants who can't make it to the race, live out of town, or would rather sleep in than run or walk on race day can still participate and help end prostate cancer. Snooze for Dudes participants pay a registration fee and are eligible to fundraise and support the cause from the comfort of their own homes. They receive a t-shirt and are eligible for the same fundraising incentives as the participants who run/walk on race day.

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk is part of the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge, the largest men's health event series in the nation, comprised of run/walks, golf tournaments, and teams at top endurance events. The event series is managed by ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer and raises awareness and funds to end prostate cancer.

To learn more and register for a ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk near you, visit www.zerocancer.org/challenge/run.

About ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer (www.zerocancer.org)
ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer is a national nonprofit organization with the mission to end prostate cancer. As a leader in the fight against prostate cancer, ZERO advances research, encourages action, and provides education and support to men and their families.  ZERO's premier programs include the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge, the largest men's health event series in America. ZERO is a 501c3 charity, a Better Business Bureau member and 84 cents of every dollar donated goes to research and programs. For more information, visit www.zerocancer.org.

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SOURCE ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer