Unique PCF Fundraiser to Support Prostate Cancer Research
Step 2A CURE, a healthy and fun way for PGA TOUR spectators to raise awareness and money for cancer research will be a featured part of this year's Waste Management Phoenix Open, February 22-28 at the TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sponsored by the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), proceeds from the Step 2A Cure event will support prostate cancer research funded by the PCF. Spectators interested in supporting the cause will be able to sign up, take pledges and follow tour players through the 18-hole course during competition.
Attendees of the Waste Management Phoenix Open can register online by making a $5 donation at www.step2acure.org. Additional donations can also be made on the site. Pledges for the number of steps taken are encouraged to support additional fundraising. All steps taken during the event will be logged daily.
"Walking is not only a traditional element in the game of golf, it's a great way to exercise and improve your overall health," says Chris Conway, director of golf programs for the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF). "Increasingly, scientific findings are indicating that changes in lifestyle—namely better nutrition and exercise routines—can have an important effect on survivorship and prevention for many cancers. We are very pleased to offer this health-focused event that supports research for prostate cancer for numerous PGA TOUR and Champions Tour events in 2010."
In 2009, more than 192,000 American men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 27,000 died from the disease in the U.S. One new case is diagnosed every 2.7 minutes and a man dies from prostate cancer every 19 minutes.
Nutrition and Exercise is just one focus area of research funded by the Prostate Cancer Foundation. PCF recently published a new guide, Nutrition, Exercise and Prostate Cancer. Authored by four of America's leading scientists and physicians working in the field of prostate cancer and nutrition research, it is available, free of charge to the public and can be downloaded or ordered at www.pcf.org.
On Saturday, February, 27, Scottsdale Leadership Class 24 will also be present at the tournament as part of the group's It's Your Turn project to raise awareness for early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Their goal is to encourage men to be more conscious of their health to not be embarrassed to talk about this serious disease. They will be selling blue wristbands ($3.00 each) and passing out complimentary ribbon pendants to raise awareness and support the cause.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open will be played February 22 – 28, 2010, at the TPC Scottsdale. The tournament's host, the Thunderbirds, has raised more than $65.9 million for charities, with more than $37.9 million generated since 2004. The 2010 edition will mark the 75th playing of the event, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR (not including the major championships). For more information on the Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.
About the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research focused on discovering better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised more than $370 million and provided funding to more than 1,500 research projects at nearly 200 institutions worldwide. The PCF also advocates for greater awareness of prostate cancer and more governmental research funds. PCF advocacy has helped produce a 20-fold increase in government funding for prostate cancer since 1994. More information about prostate cancer and the PCF can be found at www.pcf.org.
Contacts:
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Chris Conway, 925-354-5363
cconway@pcf.org
