The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge

Emmanuel Brodie, 58, was tested for prostate cancer three months ago.

The doctor said his PSA (prostate specific antigen levels) were abnormal. He is scheduled to see his primary urologist. Meanwhile, he has been taking herbal medicines in hopes of feeling better. 

Wearing a red tank top with the holy cross hanging around his neck, Brodie ran for a worthy cause Sunday - prostate cancer awareness.

Brodie was one of hundreds that participated Sunday in the second annual Great Prostate Cancer Challenge 5K and Half Mile Fun Walk at the in Woodbury. The Integrated Medical Foundation (IMF) partnered with Zero - The Project to End Prostate Cancer Organization to bring awareness to prostate health.

"We want to increase awareness," said Gary Oshinsky, President, Integrated Medical Foundation. "Prostate cancer is treatable and curable in the early stages and the Town of Oyster Bay graciously donated the mobile van to provide free prostate screenings which is fantastic."

With over 1,000 people in attendance, this was the perfect opportunity for many to receive the free prostate cancer screening.

According to Urologist Dr. Robert D'Eposito, the screening process is simple.

"We draw blood and it gets sent off to the lab," he said. "It takes about a week to get the results. We have to make the public aware that prostate cancer is absolutely treatable and preventable when detected early."

Myron Bellovin, of Massapequa, was persuaded by his wife to take the free screening.

"My wife bugged me to come in here," Bellovin said. "I'm glad I did. It was so easy to get tested."

First-place male winner Moath Alkhawaldeh (time 16:43) and first-place female winner Jessica Peterman (time 19:50) couldn't be happier about contributing to such a worthy cause.

"I thought the race was run and I wanted to help the foundation," Peterman said.  "It was a hilly course that I found challenging but I was glad to support prostate cancer awareness."

Within the past year, the IMF has already raised $100,000, but they are hoping to raise more.

"This event is so important because often prostate cancer gets less attention," said Stephanie Feirsen, Program Assistant for the Integrated Medical Foundation. "Every year, we are looking to beat the previous year. This year looks great and we couldn't have asked for better."

The yearly event is held in 14 cities throughout the country.

"It is very important to make people aware and we are hoping to grow with every year," said Rhonda Samuel, Executive Director of the Integrated Medical Foundation.

In addition to the health fair and free prostate cancer screening, walkers and runners were treated to healthy snacks and water.

Runners Alison Noe and Tom Mullee, of Huntington enjoyed the race from start to finish.

"It's a great cause and a good run," Mullee said. "We will be back next year."

For more information, please visit the Integrated Medical Foundation website.