Napa Valley Community Rallies to Save Lives From Prostate Cancer

To end a disease that takes the life of an American man every 20 minutes, Napa Valley joins 35+ communities across the nation in hosting the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month on September 17, ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer and Daughters 4 Dads will host a 10K run and 5K run/walk to save lives and support the more than 17,000 men in California who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.

“One piece of advice I give to every man who asks about my experience with prostate cancer is this: be your own advocate. Take charge of your health,” said Dr. Norman Mitroff, a prostate cancer survivor. “Events like the Run/Walk fit perfectly in the local community because they spread necessary awareness and bring light to prostate cancer, and they also encourage men to share their experiences and take charge of their own health.”

Norman Mitroff was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago. Prior to his diagnosis he had his PSA checked every year, but when he saw the number begin to rise, he decided not to wait and got tested again only a few months later. Retesting several times to find that his result kept doubling, Norman was told that he had a Gleason score of 9 and early-stage prostate cancer. Norman is now cancer-free and credits the quality of care he received from Dr. Banks at St. Helena Hospital, who is an advocate for the Run/Walk himself. Norman continues to be a passionate advocate for awareness of the disease among men, encouraging men to advocate for their own health, just as he did for his.

“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.”

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month brings the national spotlight to prostate cancer, encouraging vital and necessary awareness on both a national and local level. A portion of funds raised for this year’s Run/Walk event will benefit the Martin O'Neil Cancer Center and the St. Helena Hospital Foundation to develop a regional prostate cancer program and clinic research trials in Napa Valley. Additionally, funds will go toward national efforts to provide research for new treatments, enhance patient support resources, and to educate men and families about prostate cancer.

The race will also feature breakfast for all participants and fun, inflatable games for kids! For more information on the race, visit www.zeroprostatecancerrun.org/napa.