2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

MY STORY...I am not comfortable sharing my story, that is a fact!  After discussing with Karen my incredible wife, we both shared the view that we should be open about my experience and use that to potentially help save men's lives. I know if we can motivate just one father, son, brother, partner, or friend to schedule regular PSA screenings with their doctor, then I feel a responsibility to share!  My story is quite simple and has a happy ending!  I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late 2017.  Early detection saves lives and as I always schedule my annual checkup with my doc, the prostate cancer was detected early enough that we could intervene.  Oh, it sucked!  I thought I was invincible...don't we all!  I learned more about PSA scores and treatment options for prostate cancer than I ever wanted to. It all was quite surreal in those moments but with my team of super hero's including Karen and my doc, we decided that a robotic radical prostatectomy performed in March 2018 was the best path forward.  I had the best doctor who during a long 6 hour procedure removed my prostate with some crazy robotic skills!  Recovery was a bit of a bitch but the procedure was successful and for that we are forever grateful and have been cancer free ever since.

Those that know me well know that I love to run!  The last time I was able to do the Chicago Marathon was in 2016.  I will be 65 years old when I run the 2025 Chicago Marathon.  When I discovered Team Zero and their mission, I knew this was the time to try and do a little good...it motivated me instantly!  Every year now as part of my annual checkup we do the blood test for my PSA level.  When I receive the notification that my result is available on my e-chart, my stomach flutters with nerves. When we click on the result, we are just looking for ZEROS...that is the indicator that we are still free and clear of any recurrence of prostate cancer!!  And thankfully we have been 0.0 every year since!!!  Team ZERO!!!! : )

Come on guys!! Make this a part of your annual checkup!  If you could press the easy button and it would give you significant more years of life...you would press it.  This is almost that easy...DO IT!! 

 Aligning my effort in Chicago with Team ZERO is a very small way I can give a little something back to help educate and give a smack up the side of the head (more of a love tap) to my family, friends, colleagues, and strangers who need it.  

Please take a moment and consider supporting my goal.  Any amount you can throw in the pot would be so meaningful and appreciated.  Thank you and love you all!!

Did you know that one in eight fathers, sons, brothers, partners, and friends will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime? That's why, in October, I will be running the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team ZERO in order to help put an end to prostate cancer.

I've pledged to raise at least $2,000 for ZERO and I need your support to achieve this goal. Every donation brings us one step closer to Generation ZERO - the first generation of men free from prostate cancer. Your donation will provide critical funds for research, patient financial assistance, early detection and educational programs. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of prostate cancer patients around the country!

About ZERO:

ZERO Prostate Cancer is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the leading national non-profit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. For more than twenty years, ZERO has been on the front lines advancing research, providing support, and creating solutions to achieve health equity to meet the most critical needs of our community. 85 cents of every dollar goes directly to funding these patient programs. You can learn more about their mission and programs at https://zerocancer.org/.