PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It has become a Father’s Day tradition, the Obediah Cole Foundation 5K/10K Run & Walk for Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men. It can be detected by a simple blood test and it is survivable, if they find it early.

For nine years now, they’ve been running and walking for prostate cancer awareness every Father’s Day. The race honors Obediah Cole, the late father of former Steeler Robin Cole.

“It really is not necessary for as many people that are still and continuing over the years to die,” said Cole.

Cole knows about death from prostate cancer; it claimed both his father and uncle. Cole himself is a survivor.

Many survivors ran the race, including Ray English of Eighty-Four.

“I’m 76, and I think this is the greatest thing in the world,” said English.

Doves were released to honor the survivors and remember those who didn’t survive. But dramatic displays of doves aren’t needed to get Cole’s simple message across: if you are over 40-years-old, get the PSA blood test. It’s easy to do, but guys are often reluctant.

“We know that 28,000 men die every year because of this disease,” said Cole. “What we want to do is turn this around and get more men to come out and get themselves checked.”

RELATED LINKS:
Obediah Cole Foundation
Photo Gallery: Father’s Day Race Raises Prostate Cancer Awareness

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