With Father’s Day coming up, Michigan Institute of Urology of Independence Township offers men and those who love them a chance to run for their health.
The institute host the third annual MIU Run for the Ribbon on Father’s Day, June 19, 8 a.m., at the Detroit Zoo. The 5K walk/run is to build awareness for prostate cancer research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
‘By tying prostate cancer awareness to the MIU Run for the Ribbon, we hope men, supported by their families, will be inspired to be proactive about their health,” said MIU urologist Michael Lutz, M.D., who coordinated the event. “The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as a man ages, so men need to choose to know about their health with appropriate screenings.”
“More people and moving into that age group,” said Dr. Michael G. Cotant, who sees 3-5 prostate cancer patients a week at the institute, off Sashabaw Road south of I-75. “A high-fat diet is also a major factor ? it definitely increases your risk.”
MIU Run for the Ribbon partners with American Cancer Society, Prostate Conditions Education Council and Prostate Awareness and Cancer Education (PACE) Race Series, and is one of 18 sanctioned PACE races across the country.
Registrations through June 18 are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Race day registration is $30 for adults and $20 for children. Online registration is available until June 14 at MIURunForTheRibbon.org.
T-shirts, blue ribbons honoring those with prostate cancer and medals will be awarded to all participants and finishers. Those with the disease receive a hat.
“More people are participating as we get the word out,” said Cotant, who has run all three years. “Many run in memory of a loved one who died, or who has history of cancer ? it’s a way to help those close to them. And it’s a fun event.”
“We hope to see more runners than ever this year as this event grows, along with awareness of prostate cancer,? Lutz said.
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. The best defense against prostate cancer is early detection.
The MIU Run for the Ribbon 5K run/walk is led by MIU CEO Alphonse Santino, M.D. and coordinated by MIU urologist Michael Lutz, M.D. MIU developed the run to increase awareness about prostate cancer and educate the public about the disease, including detection, prevention and treatment.
MIU hosts its Run for the Ribbon Gala at Andiamo Warren, 7 p.m., June 17. The event features live entertainment by the Simone Vitale Band, strolling dinner, cocktails, silent auction and dancing to DJ Mike Anthony. Tickets begin at $175 each.
For more information, call 586-443-4272.