Local Men Raise Funds for Prostate Cancer Research

Ed Viksne's doctor first noticed something wasn't quite right when test results came back from his physical three years ago. 

The West Bloomfield resident was eventually diagnosed with prostate cancer and participated in his first MIU Men’s Health Foundation Run for the Ribbon less than a year later. The fundraiser, which promotes awareness, education, research and treatment of prostate cancer and men’s health issues, will be held this year on Father's Day, June 16, 8 a.m., at the Detroit Zoo.

"I've been an avid jogger since the 1980s, so it seemed like a natural thing to do," said Viksne, who saw a flyer for the run in his doctor's office. 

That's also where West Bloomfield resident Jack Faett learned about the event. A first-timer, he had surgery March 6 and learned around Easter that the cancer was limited to his prostate. 

He'll walk on Sunday with his wife, Karen, sons Daniel and John and John's wife, Katie. 

"In a relatively short time, I was diagnosed and cured," Faett said, adding he'll celebrate his birthday the day after the event. "It thought this was a good opportunity to celebrate a couple of things."

Both men say their own experiences have led them to share with other men the importance of early detection, through regular check-ups. 

Viksne said even before his diagnosis he was spreading the work about early detection. "Once you start getting older, it's good to get check-ups," he said. "You never know what might turn up." 

"If we catch it early enough, God and science is on our side," Faett said. "You can at least make an informed decision." 

Online registration at www.miurunfortheribbon.org is available until June 14, 2013. After June 14, participants must register on race day.

All participants will receive an official T-shirt and ribbons will be awarded to all finishers, with special awards going to teams and top finishers in several age categories. Participants with prostate cancer or who have survived prostate cancer will be given a special commemorative gift to celebrate their courage.

Last year, the MIU Men's Health Foundation awarded more than $30,000 in grants was allocated, including a $25,000 grant to the Beaumont Foundation for research on the improvement of prostate cancer survivorship through the development of innovative treatment technologies and patient care strategies.

Learn more at www.miurunfortheribbon.org. 

Correction: The original headline on this story incorrectly reported the type of cancer associated with Run for the Ribbon.