They rode when it counted. We have a more important message. Can you us?

CLICK HERE FOR RIDE DETAILS

A news release from Johns Hopkins on January 11, 2012, reported that researchers have identified the HOXB13 gene mutation as a predictor of prostate cancer development.

You can read the full news release at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_120695.html

How can this discovery help?

If you can afford it, it might be worth exploring the possibility of having the test done. Men who discover they have the gene then could take lifestyle measures to prevent the actual development of the disease, such as dietary modification as suggested in The China Study.

But, what if you can’t afford genetic testing?

It’s not perfect, but the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test still is the best tool to early detection of prostate cancer.

Although I am not a medical doctor and can not and do not provide medical advice, I believe that we men should begin testing annually for prostate cancer at age 35.

Just like women know they need an annual PAP smear and mammogram, we guys need a PSA test to see if our risk is increasing.

How can I track my PSA results?

Beginning in April 2012, men will be able to track this information online at www.ProstateTracker.org and receive an email reminder when their next test is due.

Follow this site for information on how to create your free ProstateTracker account.

The Pony Express is back but this time the message in the bag is about the critical importance of early detection through prostate cancer screening and the need for continual funding support for prostate cancer research.

Memorial Service - Congressional Cemetery

On September 18th, 13 dedicated men and women rode their motorcycles to the nation’s capital to raise awareness for prostate cancer.  In the process we held a memorial service at the Congressional Cemetery for the more than 1.4 million men who have succumbed to prostate cancer.

 Photo Opportunity at the White House

Following the memorial service, the Prostate Cancer Pony Express moved to the fence in front of the White House where they joined members of MaleCare’s Blue Light Brigade and the DC Cancer Consortium.

Prostate Cancer Pony Express "at" the White House

It was great to have multiple prostate cancer organizations in the same place working together.  If we can do more of this, we’ll be able to have the White House illuminated blue next September.

2012 Prostate Cancer Pony Express

We already are making plans for the 2012 Prostate Cancer Pony Express, which will take place on Sunday, September 9, 2012.  Put this on your calendar and be sure to visit the official Pony Express site at http://prostatecancerponyexpress.wordpress.com.

Riders wanted! (and needed!)

38 men and women made history yesterday as they became the inaugural riders for the Prostate Cancer Pony Express.  There were 15 actual riders and passengers and 23 “virtual riders” from across the United States.

We did Great!

• Thanks to WTOP radio reporter Kathy Stewart and her editor, we reached a major portion of the Washington, DC metropolitan area with our “early detection” message
• The Prostate Cancer Pony Express is a reality
• We supported MaleCare.org‘s Blue Bulb Brigade project
• The DC Cancer Consortium with there at the White House fence with us
• We had riders and virtual riders from 12 states
• Thousands of people saw our Prostate Cancer Pony Express flags and message as our riders rode to and back from the event
• We had a great time and made new friends!

Ride with us in 2012

Put September 9, 2012 on your calendar because that is the date of the 2012 Prostate Cancer Pony Express ride to Washington, DC.

Click this link to join the information list: http://prostatecancerponyexpress.wordpress.com/ride-information-update/

It you can’t ride with us, be at the fence in front of the White House [along Pennsylvania Avenue) at 12:15 PM on Sunday, 9/18, and be part of our photo shoot.

If you do, you’ll be part of history.

Follow our ride to Mt. Vernon at http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0RZFZ0QqhG2ZBOvnqlcj8zFKDC1axeY9I.

Just another day in Paradise. Warm regards, Robert

Here’s the link to the final route along the George Washington Parkway: http://g.co/maps/s696y

Even if you aren’t riding, please join us at the fence in front of the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue for our photo shoot. The Blue Bulb Brigade from Malecare will be there and many others.

Warm regards, Robert

Image by rockcreek via Flickr

Why Not Visit the Historical Congressional Cemetery?
SE Washington, DC is home to the historic Congressional Cemetery.

The Prostate Cancer Pony Express will visit the Congressional Cemetery at 12:30 pm on September 18th. The riders will lay a wreath in memory of the men who have perished from prostate cancer.

We also will be honoring the memories of men by reading their names. If a family member has died from prostate cancer, we would like to add his name to our memorial list.

To add a name, just enter a comment here on this post: Name, year of passing, and state.

Warm regards, Robert

I was able to get proclamations from the governors of Virginia and South Carolina during my Tour de USA for Prostate Cancer Awareness last summer, but no such luck. They were very nice but noted that they had just released a proclamation dealing with men’s health in general and felt that would do the trick.

How can we get the boys to talk about the boys?
Our gals are absolutely fearless when it comes to talking about breast cancer. I was in the outdoor shop at the Alyeska Resort yesterday and there they were – bunches of pink cycling socks with “Save the Ta-Tas.” But nothing about prostate cancer, even though there are more new prostate cancer cases each year than breast cancer.

Should we create a “Save the Boys” campaign?
This sounds like fun, but I’m not sure what image or logo we could get away using. If you have any good ideas, send us an email or post it here on the blog.

We need some help in Juneau!
The Prostate Cancer Pony Express to the Capitol Building in Washington , DC takes place on September 18th. How about some help there in Juneau? A bicycle ride or motorcycle ride to the state capitol building would be great publicity!

Warm regards, Robert

We’re excited to display today for the first time the official patch of the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project’s Pony Express ride.

For you history buffs, you will notice that the patch is a very close replica of the exact badge that Pony Express riders wore.

2011 Prostate Cancer Pony Express

Registration Opens May 1, 2011

We will officially open registration of May 1, 2011.  Registration will be online at Active.com.

Join the Pony Express Email List to Receive Event Information

Simply click the following link to join the Prostate Cancer Pony Express Information List.  Your email will not be shared with any other organization.  Ever.  I hope to see you on September 18th, 2011 in Washington, DC.

Light The White House Blue

September is national prostate cancer awareness month, and each September is our opportunity to bring attention to prostate cancer and the havoc it wreaks on American families.

This year, we’re working on a project to have the White House illuminated in blue on September 18th.  If you have a moment, please visit http://lightthewhitehouseblue.org and sign the petition.

Warm regards, Robert.

As a nation, we’ve done a great job raising awareness for breast cancer.  Now it’s time to do the same thing for prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Advocacy Organizations Unite
This morning I sent an email with the ride details and draft schedule to the major prostate cancer advocacy organizations, Zero, MaleCare, Us Too, and several others, and I hope Sunday, September 18th will witness all of us standing together on the steps of the Capitol delivering the prostate cancer research and prevention message to Congress.

Stay tuned for more information.

Click here to join our update list.

Just another day in paradise. Warm regards, Robert