Grayslake Woman Raises Awareness About Prostate Cancer

Submitted press release

Grayslake resident Nancy O’Brien knows first hand the importance of being informed, especially when the subject is prostate cancer.

Ten years ago, her father, Russ Gould, co-founded the SEA Blue Prostate Cancer Chicago Walk & Run (www.seablueprostatewalk.org) which will take place this year in Lincoln Park, downtown Chicago on Sunday, September 14, 2014, from 8 a.m. to noon. This past December, her father lost his fight with prostate cancer.

Russ was diagnosed at age 58 with advanced prostate cancer and was given a prognosis of about three years. He lived for 16 years with the disease, and spent much of time empowering others to become educated, to seek out resources, to have hope and listen to encouragement. Nancy says, “My father’s mantra was: Never, ever, give up.”

Due to his commitment to helping others, Russ made a new career out of spreading information about prostate cancer and literally saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. Nancy now is walking in his footsteps, raising awareness about prostate cancer and the upcoming September 14 anniversary event. The event is presented by Us TOO International, Wellness Place and Uropartners.

The SEA Blue Prostate Cancer Chicago Walk/Run was born in an effort to increase awareness for prostate cancer and recognize it as the second largest cancer killer of men following lung cancer. Prostate cancer claims the lives of approximately 30,000 men annually, and another 230,000 men are diagnosed every year.

“The SEA in SEA Blue is an acronym for Support, Education and Advocate. This is what we want to accomplish for men with prostate cancer, their families, friends and caretakers,” said Ms. O’brien.

In the past few years the event has attracted close to 1,500 participants who run the 5K race, walk with the group through Lincoln Park carrying team flags, or relax in the tent village to enjoy the camaraderie. Activities throughout the day include educational sessions with physician presentations, free PSA testing compliments of UroPartners, free lunch, drinks and snacks, a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers, a DJ and music, plus a bounce house, face painting and temporary tattoos for the kids.

Prior to the event, participants raise funds through donations from family and friends to support their commitment to run or walk in the event as an individual or as a member of a team. Another option is to be a virtual participant for those who want to fundraise but are unable to participate in person. Event registration includes a t-shirt and is priced at $45 for adults, $20 for kids 7 to 17, and free to children 6 and under. Primary event sponsors include AbbVie, Astellas/Medivation, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Teva Oncology, Novartis, Dendreon, and NorthShore University HealthSystem.

“Rain or shine, a crowd sporting positive attitudes and determined spirits will gather once again for the 10th anniversary of this event,” assures Kirk. “The tradition will continue on many levels for many people—from runners pushing to shave seconds off their time while racing to the finish line—to walkers waving a team flag to honor a loved one who’s lost his battle.”

To register or donate visit www.seablueprostatewalk.org. For more information call 630-795-1002 or visit Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SEABlueProstate or Twitter at http://twitter.com/SEABlueWalk3K.