How To Get Involved In Charlotte’s Annual ZERO Race

by | Aug 14, 2019

ZERO Prostate Cancer Race: What It Is, Why We Support It & How To Get Involved

Last year, we became the host sponsor for ZERO Prostate Cancer Race for the first time. This year, we’re at it again and could not be more thrilled to do our part in putting an end to prostate cancer

One in nine men are affected by prostate cancer during his lifetime. In fact, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men other than skin cancer. ZERO has been fighting prostate cancer and honoring survivors since 2007, raising over 10 million dollars to provide research for new treatments, offer free prostate cancer testing and educate men and their families about prostate cancer. 

So, when we had the opportunity to sponsor this event for the second year in a row, we quickly agreed! ZERO is changing the way men think about prostate cancer, which is why we are so excited to share our involvement with our community. 

Whether you or a loved one are currently fighting prostate cancer, you know someone who lost his battle to prostate cancer, or you simply want to be a part of putting an end prostate cancer, this event is for you. Below, we have everything you need to know about ZERO Prostate Cancer and the ZERO Prostate Run/Walk, plus six additional ways for you to get involved! 

Everything You Need To Know About ZERO

In 1996, what is now known as ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer, was formed. At that time, it was called the National Prostate Cancer Coalition. The only thing that changed was their name—not their mission and values!

With a team of physicians, patients and advocates backing them, the coalition made their presence known to Congress. Due to patient testimonies, research and persistence, the National Prostate Cancer Coalition was able to play an integral role in the creation of the Department of Defense’s Prostate Cancer Research Program.

Due to their hard work and passion to fight prostate cancer, the team behind the National Prostate Cancer Coalition was able to educate and provide treatment to the thousands of men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. 

Now, ZERO still has the same ambitions as they did in 1996. They continue to find new ways to make an impact not only in Congress, but also in communities across the country. ZERO has become so much more than an organization of physicians, patients and advocates. It has truly given a face to each and every man fighting prostate cancer.

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk

While there are multiple races held across the nation, we are proud to be a host sponsor for Charlotte, North Carolina’s ZERO Race. Here’s everything you need to know about the event:

It’s big. With over 76,000 participants nationwide, there’s bound to be an amazing turnout for this year’s Charlotte race. 

It makes a difference. While this year’s overall fundraising goal is $200,000, Charlotte is hoped to raise over $52,000. 85 cents of every dollar raised goes towards education, testing and research.

It’s easy to participate. ZERO offers plenty of ways to participate in their annual events. You can run, walk, donate, volunteer, or be a virtual participant through Snooze for Dudes. Plus, runners and walkers receive free food, t-shirts and prizes!

It’s family friendly. ZERO race offers a one mile walk as well as a Kids’ Superhero Dash for Dad, making this a fun event your entire family can participate in. All while supporting prostate cancer patients and their families, too!

It’s easy to get to. This year’s race will be located at Toringdon Circle Shopping Center in Ballantyne on Saturday, September 14th. Kick-off begins at 7 a.m. and awards will be given out at 10:15 a.m. But don’t forget to stick around afterwards for the post-race celebration!

It allows you to connect with your community. One of the best parts about the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk is that it enables you to connect with others in your community who share an experience with or passion about prostate cancer. 

With your support, we can help make “Generation ZERO, the first generation of men free from prostate cancer” a reality. Ready to get involved? Great! Here are six additional ways you can support ZERO’s mission. 

6 Ways To Get Involved with ZERO

1. Fundraise 

The first and likely most obvious way to get involved is through fundraising. When you participate in the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk, you are doing your part to fundraise for ZERO’s mission. 

There are other ways to fundraise, too! You can participate in ZERO’s endurance events, donate your birthday, grow a beard with co-workers, tee-off at TopGolf and so much more. Learn more about their fundraising opportunities here

2. Donate

Online donations and traditional checks and cash are always welcomed. However, you can also donate through non-traditional sources. Donate through planned giving and estate planning, United Way and Federated campaigns, or by using Giving Assistant when you shop to save money and support ZERO.

3. Partner

Partnering with ZERO allows you to get involved and stay involved. You can partner with ZERO as a Medical Partner, Supporting Partner or Community Testing Partner

4. Volunteer

Making the decision to become a volunteer not only benefits ZERO, but you as well! Volunteering allows you the opportunity to meet and interact with others in the prostate cancer community who have their own stories to share. 

To get involved as a volunteer, you can help out at the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Charlotte (or one of the other supporting cities), table at an event, or contact a local Chapter Director to find an area that could use your assistance. 

5. Advocate

Prostate cancer advocates are what made ZERO what it is today. If you share a passion for prostate cancer research and want to make your voice heard, becoming an advocate may be the perfect way to get involved. 

6. Share

Become a Social Media Ambassador for ZERO, use your Awareness Toolkit to table at a community event, or simply share your personal story to raise prostate cancer awareness. Every action you take enables you and your community to become involved in ZERO’s mission and get one step closer to ending prostate cancer.

At Urology Specialists of the Carolinas, we are proud to show our support for a mission that mirrors our own. For over 30 years, our board-certified Urologists have met and supported men in our community who have experienced or who are in the midst of battling prostate cancer. 

We, too, hope to see a world where ZERO men are diagnosed and affected by prostate cancer. Help us fight this disease by getting involved in this year’s ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk. There are plenty of ways to participate, and we can’t do it without you!

Proper education and screening is crucial to putting an end to prostate cancer. Visit one of our locations to get tested for prostate cancer, and to learn more about the risk factors and treatments associated with this cancer type. 

Looking for more resources for you or the men in your life? Download our free Man-To-Man Guide On Healthy Aging below to learn the best ways to maintain your male health as you age.