Fundraising Goal For Prostate Cancer Research Exceeded By Vienna Officers

VIENNA, VA — As the no facial hair rule was eased in November so Vienna Police Department officers could fundraise for prostate cancer research, the officers' fundraising goal was surpassed.

Officers in the Vienna Police Department participated in the Grow-and-Give campaign to support Zero — The End of Prostate Cancer, a nonprofit dedicated to ending prostate cancer. The effort raised over $7,000, more than double the original goal of $3,000.

"We thought $3,000 was a high goal, considering we had never done anything like this
before," stated Officer Juan Vazquez, the public information officer for the police department. "The generosity of our family, friends and this community has absolutely astonished us all!"

The fundraiser was done in honor of Vazquez's father, Antonio Vazquez, who died of prostate cancer in December 2017. Vazquez shared his father's story in a Facebook post, hoping to create awareness and prevent someone else's loss.

"I am so humbled that so many of my colleagues participated and took it upon themselves to fundraise for this worthy cause," said Vazquez. "Even with everything else they have going on with work, family responsibilities and life, the fact that they were willing to do this speaks volumes about who they are and shows how much they care about people."

The fundraising will support Zero — The End of Prostate Cancer's prostate cancer research and educational outreach. The $7,000 raised is the second highest raised by a public safety organization for the cause in the U.S.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. An estimated 250,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the U.S. alone this year. Prostate exams are typically recommended as men reach their middle age.

While the Vienna Police Department's dress code that doesn't allow male officers to have facial hair has resumed in December, fundraising is still going on. Zero — The End of Prostate Cancer has extended the fundraiser deadline through Dec. 5. Visit the Vienna Police Department's fundraiser page or Officer Vazquez's personal fundraiser to donate.