Philadelphia Virtual Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Raises $61,549 For Prostate Cancer Research and Patient Support

On Sunday, September 26, the Greater Philadelphia community gathered virtually to celebrate prostate cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at Philadelphia ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk. More than $61,000 was raised through donations, sponsors and participant fundraising.

“Working with prostate cancer patients and their loved ones each day, I see first-hand the severity of this disease,” said Lauryn Wagner, an oncology nurse navigator at MidLantic Urology and the Philadelphia ZERO race director. “Although we could not convene in-person due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I am so thankful we had the opportunity to celebrate remotely to keep prostate cancer patients, survivors and families safe.”

This year’s race was held through the Charge Running App. Runners and walkers were able to share photos in real-time of their race routes. Funds raised from the 172 participants and hundreds of donors will go toward national efforts to provide research for new treatments, to enhance patient support resources, and to educate men and families about prostate cancer.

“MidLantic Urology is proud to host the Philadelphia ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk and to extend our support for all in the Greater Philadelphia community that have been affected by prostate cancer, especially our patients,” said Dr. Larry Belkoff, MidLantic Urology physician and ZERO physician champion for this year’s event. “Raising awareness for prostate cancer is a crucial effort, as 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with the disease, and Black men are 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men. Understanding the risks that come with age and emphasizing the importance of regular prostate cancer screenings are some of the reasons why this event is so important, and will help us one day zero out prostate cancer.”

Now in its third year, the Philadelphia ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk has raised more than $167,000. Philadelphia is just one of 45 communities across the nation that is part of the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk series. The Run/Walk promotes awareness for prostate cancer and encourages men to be informed about their risk.

The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk series would not be possible without the support of national and local sponsors. Abbvie is the celebration’s premier partner. Other national sponsors include: Pfizer, Astellas, Tolmar, Myovant, Lantheus, EdCure.org, FixIncontience.com and SpaceOAR. Philadelphia’s local sponsors are Dendreon, Jassen Oncology, Merck, Myriad Genetics, LabCorp, Main Line Health, InTouch Med Supply, Capital Blue Cross, HOKA, Wegmans, ABCmedical and Blue Earth Diagnostics.

ABOUT MidLantic UROLOGY:

MidLantic Urology is one of the largest and most innovative health care providers in Pennsylvania. Our group combines an unprecedented level of top urology specialists with clinical research and state-of-the-art technology to offer the highest quality of personalized care. We believe in highly personalized and compassionate care. Our specialists are by our patient’s side throughout their entire care journey. With 47 locations throughout the region, we strive to provide the most convenient access to all our patients. To learn more about MidLantic Urology, visit https://MidLanticurology.com.

About ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer

ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer is the leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer. ZERO advances research, improves the lives of men and families, and inspires action. We’re building Generation ZERO, the first generation of men free from prostate cancer, through our national run/walk series, education and patient support programs, and grassroots advocacy. ZERO is a 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization recognized with four out of four stars by Charity Navigator, accredited by the Better Business Bureau, with regional chapters across the country. We dedicate 86 cents of every dollar to research and programs. For more information, visit zerocancer.org.