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Community Corner

Macombers Spend Father's Day at Detroit Zoo for Prostate Cancer 5K

The Michigan Institute of Urology will hold its third annual prostate cancer benefit 5K at the Detroit Zoo.

This Father's Day, residents from Macomb and neighboring communities will celebrate by participating in the third annual Run for the Ribbon 5K Run and Walk, a benefit for prostate cancer awareness.

The race, sponsored by the Michigan Institute of Urology and held at the Detroit Zoo, begins at 8 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive an hour earlier.

Registration for the event is available the day of the event. With all proceeds going toward prostate cancer research, treatment and education, registration will cost $30 for adults and $20 for children.

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Macomb resident Kay Ozog lost her father to prostate cancer in 2009. Ozog walked in last year's event and plans to walk again this year.

The cause of prostate cancer awareness is important to Ozog. The race, however, also provided her with an opportunity to reflect on family.

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"It was more of a personal experience, for remembrance of dad," Ozog said.

T-shirts, blue ribbons honoring those with prostate cancer and medals will be awarded to all participants and finishers. Those with the disease will receive a hat so they can be honored and supported throughout the race for their courage.

Volunteers are welcome.

According to the Michigan Institute of Urology, nearly one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Dr. Michael Lutz, a urologist at MIU, said the race is an opportunity to let people know just how common prostate cancer is. As early detection is key, he urges men to get checked out.

"Many people go on with their lives unimpeded by it," Lutz said. "It doesn't have to be fatal."

Joshua Wiitanen graduated from in 2004. Now, his family is supporting Wiitanen's father-in-law in his fight with prostate cancer.

A participant in last year's race, Wiitanen said being around so many others who have been touched by prostate cancer opened his eyes.

"It makes you realize how many people are dealing with it," he said.

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