This year, the Coachella Valley joins 40+ communities across the country to shine the light on prostate cancer, a disease that takes the life of an American man every 17 minutes, as part of the national ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk series.

Hosted by Desert Medical Imaging and presented by Valley Urology and Palm Valley Pain Management, the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk Coachella Valley takes place September 14, 7 a.m., at Palm Desert Civic Center and will feature a community rally, family festivities, an Access Expo with medical and wellness resources, celebrity appearances, and multiple run/walk race opportunities.

“The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk rallies communities and gives participants a voice in the fight to end prostate cancer,” says Jamie Bearse, CEO of ZERO, the national non-profit whose goal is to create Generation ZERO – the first generation of men who are free of prostate cancer. Race categories include a 5k Run/Walk, Kids Dash for Dads, and a Snooze for Dudes virtual participation option for those who want to contribute without attendance. Participants receive a T-shirt, free food and awards, resources and the opportunity to connect with others who are impacted by the disease.

The day of celebration will feature the La Quinta High School cheerleading squad and the Cathedral City High School jazz band on hand to help rally runners, and a special flag presentation by Marines from the 29 Palms Marine Corps Base. A special ceremony for patients and survivors serves as the heart of every event and will feature Canadian actor, writer and producer Dan McDougall whose work includes Fargo, Hell on Wheels, Brokeback Mountain and Heartland. A special Survivor’s Lounge will also be open to those facing the disease first hand. Additional celebrity guests include Harrison & Chris Sands, Welterweight Boxing Champion Tomas Dulorme, and News Channel 3’s Patrick Evans who will serve as emcee.

All in the community are invited to attend and take advantage of the important offerings at the Access Expo featuring health and wellness information and resources. Attendees can talk medical and prevention solutions with pharmaceutical representatives from companies like Abbvie and Bayer. Local companies like Desert Medical Imaging, Valley Urology, and Eisenhower Health will be onsite, along with Desert Oasis Healthcare who will be providing health screenings.

Dads and their little ones are encouraged to take part in the Kids’ Superhero Dash for Dad. Little racers each receive a superhero cape from sponsor, AVSU, and will have fun with “Eraticator,” the IEHP mascot on hand to further generate excitement.

Funds raised for this year’s Coachella Valley event will go toward local and national efforts. More than $4M was raised nationally in the 2018 ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk series.

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.zeroprostatecancerrun.org/coachella.