MIU Run for the Ribbon Creates Prostate Cancer Survivor Team in Honor of Men Who “Fight Like a Man” for and are Winning Their Health

Fifth Annual MIU Run for the Ribbon 5k Run/ Walk and Gala support prostate cancer awareness, education, treatment and research in Southeast Michigan

Prostate cancer is the most common type of non-skin cancer found in American men, affecting one in six,and is the second leading cause of death, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS estimates more than 238,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2013. While more than 29,000 men will lose their fight with the disease, it is estimated that more than 2 million men are prostate cancer survivors, either diagnosed and treated or living with the disease. 

In support of prostate cancer survivorship, the MIU Men’s Health Foundation is hosting the Fifth Annual MIU Run for the Ribbon on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16 at 8 a.m. at the Detroit Zoo. The mission of Run for the Ribbon is to promote the awareness, education, research and treatment of prostate cancer and men’s health related issues in Southeastern Michigan. The race attracts more than 1,600 runners/walkers each year.

Registrants can build a personal fundraising or team page when they sign up for the event. Registrants can upload photos, a personal story and set up personal or team fundraising goals. Each secure personal page or team page will have its own customized URL. New this year, the Foundation has developed a Prostate Cancer Survivor Team in honor of men who are winning or have won the battle against prostate cancer. Any prostate cancer survivor can sign up to raise funds for the team.

“The MIU Run for the Ribbon is an event about survivorship, supporting men with education and research for treatment to continue growing the number of people who can call themselves survivors,” said Michael Lutz, M.D., board member of the MIU Men’s Health Foundation and urologist with Michigan Institute of Urology. “This year, we are growing a sense of solidarity with our Prostate Cancer Survivor Team of men and their families who have chosen to know about their health, ‘fight like a man’ for it and are winning. It’s one way we can honor them for their hard work and courage.” 

MIU Run for the Ribbon has partnered with the American Cancer Society, The Prostate Conditions Education Council and the Prostate Awareness and Cancer Education (PACE) Race Series. Run for the Ribbon also has been endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports as a quality physical activity event significantly contributing to the health and well being of Michigan residents and will be included in the Pure Michigan FITness Series endorsement program.

The cost for early registration, made by May 24, is $25 for adults and $15 for children. Registrations made from May 25 to June 13 are $30 for adults and $20 for children. Race day registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children. Online registration at www.miurunfortheribbon.org is available until June 14, 2013. After June 14, participants must register on race day.

All participants will receive an official T-shirt and ribbons will be awarded to all finishers, with special awards going to top finishers in several age categories. Team awards will be given to the team with the most members, the team that raises the most funds and the most creative team name. Participants with prostate cancer or who have survived prostate cancer will be given a special commemorative gift to celebrate their courage.

Registrants also can honor a loved one by placing his/her name on signage along the course with a $5 donation. All donations will be used to promote the awareness, education, treatment and research of prostate cancer and men’s health related issues in Southeastern Michigan. 

Prior to the Run, on Friday, June 14, 2013, MIU Men’s Health Foundation will host the Run for the Ribbon Gala at Andiamo Warren at 7 p.m. Themed “An Evening of Wonder,” will be filled with more than 350 friends, fine wine and food, captivating Cirque performances by Detroit Circus, dancing to the Simone Vitale Band and a charity auction raffle. Tickets for the event are $185 each. The Gala also will mark the first presentation of the Jeff Murri Award, a yearly scholarship of $1,000 awarded to students of the Oakland University School William Beaumont of Medicine who focus on men’s health related issues. This year, two students have been selected. 

These events help raise crucial funds dedicated to promoting the awareness, education, research and treatment of prostate cancer and men’s health related issues in Southeastern Michigan. Last year, more than $30,000 in grants was allocated, including a $25,000 grant to the Beaumont Foundation for research on the improvement of prostate cancer survivorship through the development of innovative treatment technologies and patient care strategies. The organization is accepting grant requests to distribute additional funds at its website:MIUMensHealthFoundation.org/grants.html.

About MIU Men’s Health Foundation

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, MIU Men’s Health Foundation is dedicated to promoting the awareness, education, research and treatment of prostate cancer and men’s health related issues in southeastern Michigan. Founded by the Michigan Institute of Urology, the largest multispecialty urology practice in Michigan, the MIU Men’s Health Foundation’s signature events are the MIU Run for the Ribbon 5k Run/Walk & Gala, established in 2008, and the Men’s Health Event, introduced in 2011. For more information about the MIU Men’s Health Foundation, visitMIUMensHealthFoundation.org.