SEA BLUE Walk for the Men We Love

Thank you Steve Sanders from WGN-tv.  Steve is a prostate cancer survivor!

The day of drizzles and downpours didn’t wash out the SEA Blue Prostate Cancer Walk. And I was honored to speak this year as part of a tribute to the men we love and those we have lost because of prostate cancer.

With fellow walkers.

With some of our family pre-race.

For the last few years, family, friends and I have been part of the annual walk.  We do it for several men, including my father-in-law.  I remember when he was first diagnosed. My 7 year-old son was just an infant when my husband got that call the cancer had already spread to Papa’s spine and shoulders.  Immediately both he and my sister-in-law began searching for a miracle cure, calling doctors all over the country.  Several years of advances in treatment have allowed Papa to remain with us while others have not responded as well.

Papa was regaining his strength during this 2010 picture from the walk. Such a strong man!

The SEA Blue Walk/Run raises funds and awareness for Us Too.  And their numbers don’t lie:

• More than 2 million U.S. men are survivors of prostate cancer.
• Every year over 232,090 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and about 30,350 die. 
• A man with one close relative with the disease has double the risk. With two close relatives, his risk is five-fold. With three, the chance is 97%.
• Two men every five minutes are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• African American males have a prostate cancer incidence rate up to 60% higher than while males and double the mortality (death) rate of white males. 
• Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American males today.
• Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Many times prostate cancer is treatable, IF detected early.  So go find those men you love and encourage (or drag them) to get their PSA tested.  And click on the link below for more information on symptoms, treatments and support.

Be the change!

Amy Gregorio 
Your Mrs. International

www.UsToo.org