Alex Coleman is not one to be held back. He is physically active and serves his community as a police officer. As someone who puts his life on the line every day, he was beyond surprised when faced with an unexpected challenger.
During a 2016 checkup with his physician, Coleman, 53, of Southfield, was alerted to an increase in his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The elevation was high enough that he was referred to a urologist. Four weeks later, biopsy results revealed cancer in his prostate.
“The initial news was shocking,” Coleman said.
One in seven men will face prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in men, according to the American Cancer Society. Though nearly 30,000 men will lose their fight with the disease, it is estimated nearly 3 million men are prostate cancer survivors, either diagnosed and treated or living with the disease.
Coleman was given three choices: aggressive radiation, which would sideline him from his job and active lifestyle; robotic surgery to remove his prostate; or active surveillance of the cancer. He opted for the robotic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure, allowing him the possibility of a quick recovery.
After six weeks of recuperation, Coleman was back on the job and reclaimed his active lifestyle. Now, he’s been cancer-free for two years.
Coleman learned about the MIU Men’s Health Foundation’s Run for the Ribbon — a 5K run/walk loop or a 1-mile stroll at the Detroit Zoo on Father’s Day — from a friend, a fellow prostate cancer survivor. He will participate for the second time this year in hopes others will join him to raise awareness for men’s health.
“I don’t wish cancer on anyone,” Coleman said. “But early detection can save your life.”
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Run for the Ribbon promotes and raises funds for the awareness, education, research and treatment of prostate cancer and men’s health issues. The race attracts approximately 2,000 survivors and supporters to run or walk each year.
“For 10 years, we’ve been telling men it is not enough to wait until you notice symptoms, because prostate cancer doesn’t always present symptoms you can detect,” said Michael Lutz, M.D., president of the MIU Men’s Health Foundation. “Men need to ‘choose to know’ their PSA, as one would know his own cholesterol. The key to a successful outcome from this disease is appropriate screenings and early detection.”
The Run for the Ribbon takes place at 8 a.m. on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17, at the Detroit Zoo.
All participants this year, in the spirit of a true birthday celebration, will receive cupcakes and milk provided by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, in addition to a performance shirt, medal and complimentary entry to the Detroit Zoo.
Team awards will be given to the team with the most members, the team that raises the most funds and the most creative team name. In honor of Father’s Day, the newest father also will receive an award. Participants with prostate cancer or who have survived prostate cancer will be given a special commemorative gift to celebrate their courage.
Registrants also can honor a loved one by placing his name on signage along the course with a $10 donation. All donations will be used to promote awareness, education, treatment and research of prostate cancer and men’s health issues.
• If you go: The Run for the Ribbon takes place at 8 a.m. on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17, at the Detroit Zoo. Register at miurunfortheribbon.org through June 15; $35 for adults and $25 for children. After June 15, participants must register on race day; $40 for adults and $30 for children.