Wheels for Prostate Cancer Research

How Did the Challenge Begin?
Over the past several years, Chesapeake Urology Associates has grown to become the premier private urology group in Maryland, with more than 300 employees and 46 urologists serving people in 16 locations. One of the core values we established early on is a commitment to support and give back to the community. Fighting against prostate cancer is just one of many ways that we seek to uphold that value.

On 2007, Chesapeake urologist Dr. Sean Van Zijl, suggested that we create an event solely focused on prostate cancer. Our goal was to increase awareness, provide screening opportunities for men unable to get screenings, and raise money for prostate cancer research. The 5K Walk and Run that we created that year was the most successful first-time event of its kind in Maryland, with more than 1,100 participants and over $135,000 raised.

We returned in 2008 with a new name and even greater enthusiasm. We added a benefit concert and a plan to provide free prostate cancer screenings in connection with a number of large African-American churches in the Baltimore area. We came close to reaching our goal to screen more than 1,000 men who might ordinarily not have a prostate exam and PSA test.

In 2009, we are back stronger than ever with our 5K run/1 mile fun walk on Saturday, September 26, and prostate cancer screenings from May through October

Our Success is Spreading!
Thanks to last year's fabulous results, in 2009 our urology colleagues are hosting similar events in:

- Nashville, TN
- Richmond, VA
- Harrisburg, PA
- Indianapolis, IN

- Memphis, TN
- Kansas City, KS
- Buffalo, NY
- Seattle, WA

On Saturday, September 26, 2009, during "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month," Chesapeake Urology Associates and St. Joseph Medical Center will host The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge 5K Run/1Mile Fun Walk in Baltimore.

Lenny Moore, former Baltimore Colt #24, Hall of Fame member, and prostate cancer survivor, will serve again as Honorary Chairman.

Last Year's Results:
» More than 2,500 runners/walkers participated
» Over $350,000 raised for prostate cancer research
» 88 men took advantage of the prostate screenings and nine tested positive.

This Year's Goals:
» More than 2,000 runners/walkers
» More than $300,000 raised for prostate cancer research

Volunteers Welcome
If you would like to be a race day volunteer, we welcome your assistance. Also, door prize donations would be greatly appreciated. Please contact ncromwell@cua.md.

Free Prostate Screenings*
You may be eligible for a free prostate cancer screening performed by a Chesapeake Urology physician at the St. Joseph Medical Center Cancer Institute Building. Eligible men may receive a free screening from 10 am-1 pm on race day. For eligibility questions or to make an appointment, call 410-337-1479.

*Eligible men must be aged 50-80, or age 40 or older if African American, or have a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, and have not had a screening in the last 12 months.

All proceeds from these events go to ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer to improve awareness, offer screenings and fund prostate cancer research. Our dream is to help find a cure for prostate cancer. Take the challenge and join the fight against prostate cancer!