Prostate cancer walkathon set for Brampton June 3

TORONTO — The Walnut Foundation is gearing up for its annual fundraising walkathon in the GTA with major trade union support.

The 9th annual Walk the Path Walkathon for men’s health and prostate cancer awareness will be held June 3 from 8 a.m. to noon at Etobicoke Creek Trail in Brampton at 30 Loafers Lake Lane; the event covers 10 kilometres.

This year the honorary chair is Ivan Dawns, political director of the International Union of Painters. Event organizers are aiming to raise awareness in the Black community about their elevated risk of prostate cancer. Black men are 76 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.2 times more likely to die from the disease.

Funds raised will go to awareness programs, providing support and advocacy, and working with researchers, leaders and other organizations to influence policy and support best practices around disease management for prostate cancer and other men’s health issues, stated a Walnut Foundation release.

“We believe the work we do encourages screening, earlier intervention for those who should be treated and better health outcomes for a marginalized group disproportionately impacted by prostate cancer,” stated Tony Henry, Walnut Foundation first vice-president, in a statement.

Already the Painters and Carpenters’ unions have raised significant amounts.

For more information visit the Walnut Foundation website.