November 12: 2nd Annual Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Returns To Norfolk

NORFOLK
On November 12, ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer, Urology of Virginia will host a 5K run/walk to save lives and support the nearly 5,000 men in Virginia who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. It is being held with the support of the Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum and will take place in Norfolk at the Virginia Zoological Park, 3500 Granby Street. The event hopes to heighten awareness that prostate cancer takes the life of an American man every 20 minutes. More than 35 communities across the nation will be participating in the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk.

“Knowledge, faith, and early detection matter most when it comes to prostate cancer,“ said Charlie Hill, president and co-founder of the local Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum and prostate cancer warrior. “When I was first diagnosed, I did all the research I could. I now dedicate my life to ensuring that men and their families are as educated as they can be on the disease and the importance of early detection.”

Charlie Hill was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002, shortly after his wife lost her battle with lung cancer. With a normal PSA and DRE, Charlie initially had no indication of the disease. Thanks to a doctor who championed his case, Charlie looked for a second opinion, which resulted in a positive biopsy. He had surgery shortly after. A few years later, he and his doctors discovered that his cancer had returned, likely due to microscopic metastases that were initially undetectable. Now Charlie, who also battles Lymphoma, doesn’t consider himself a prostate cancer survivor: he’s a prostate cancer warrior. 

In 2007 he co-founded the Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum, a nonprofit dedicated to providing men and families with necessary information about prostate cancer, awareness, and early detection. He hopes that teaming up with the ZERO Run/Walk and Urology of Virginia – where he is a patient – will bring increased awareness of the disease to the Hampton Roads area. He’s determined to ensure all men have the knowledge they need to be prostate cancer warriors themselves.

“For the past 10 years, the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk has rallied communities and given participants a voice in the fight to end prostate cancer,” said ZERO CEO Jamie Bearse. “By mobilizing survivors, patients, caregivers, families, and businesses in communities across the country to raise funds and awareness, we can make prostate cancer a national priority.”
Funds raised for this year’s Run/Walk event will support efforts to provide research for new treatments, to enhance patient support resources, and to educate men and families about prostate cancer. A portion of the proceeds will be used locally to benefit the Schellhammer Urological Research Foundation – Urology of Virginia as well as the Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum’s early detection and educational activities.

For more information on the race and to register, visit www.zeroprostatecancerrun.org/virginia-beach.
For more information about ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer visit (www.zerocancer.org).