#United States #Indianapolis #Veterans Health #ZERO Prostate Cancer #Indy 500

This Memorial Day Weekend: Racing for Lives

This Memorial Day weekend is not just about high speed and thrilling races; it's a time to shift focus toward a critical health issue affecting veterans across the United States. ZERO Prostate Cancer, a leading advocacy organization dedicated to combatting prostate cancer, is partnering with prominent racing events to emphasize the importance of early detection and awareness. The statistics paint a stark picture—veterans are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as the general population, making this initiative critical for saving lives.

At this year’s prestigious Indianapolis 500, which will take place on May 25, ZERO Prostate Cancer's logo will appear on the racing cars of prominent INDYCAR drivers Conor Daly and Sting Ray Robb. The event is set to bring a massive audience spotlight to this cause, reinforcing that acknowledging the risks associated with prostate cancer is just as vital as the thrill of racing.

"This weekend isn't just about racing—it's about saving lives," states Josh Bilicki, a driver committed to raising awareness through his platform.

The initiative extends to NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 and the BetMGM 300 events, where two specially-branded cars will also enter the races. The first, a No. 66 Ford Mustang driven by Josh Bilicki during the Coca-Cola 600, and the second, a No. 53 Chevrolet Camaro driven by JJ Yeley in the BetMGM 300, will both feature ZERO's emblem. Throughout these events, the message is clear: awareness can lead to early detection, and early detection saves lives.

JJ Yeley, reflecting on the significance of the campaign, shares, "As someone who is deeply connected to the veteran community, I feel a personal responsibility to raise awareness. We're racing for something much more profound than we often consider."

In partnership with AstraZeneca, ZERO is pushing forward with this visibility campaign, aiming to educate and inform the public about the urgent need for prostate health awareness. Statistics highlight a sobering fact: a man dies from prostate cancer every 15 minutes in the U.S., and military veterans are especially at risk, further underscoring the necessity of initiatives like this.

Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer, emphasizes, "With over 3 million American men currently battling prostate cancer, it’s crucial that we tackle this disease head-on. Many do not even know they’re at risk, particularly within our veteran community. This Memorial Day, we not only honor those we've lost but also fight to save the living among us."

The coalition with AstraZeneca aims to significantly lower mortality rates through enhanced education, screening, and advocacy efforts aimed at diverse communities, particularly targeting veterans, African American men, and residents of rural areas who are disproportionately affected by this disease. ZERO Prostate Cancer has set a goal to save 100,000 lives by 2035, creating outreach programs designed for those most impacted.

"We’re sending a powerful message: it’s time to race towards solutions that urgently need to be addressed in our communities," states Daniele Paone, Vice President at AstraZeneca, emphasizing their commitment to this cause.

As racing enthusiasts prepare for a thrilling weekend of speed, it’s essential to remember the larger message at play. The races represent more than competition; they symbolize hope for men and their families. This Memorial Day, while you enjoy the incredible performances, take a moment to consider the importance of conversations about health and the need to get screened.

Tune in to witness these pivotal races:

• - BetMGM 300 (Xfinity Series) - Saturday, May 24 at 1:00 PM ET on The CW
• - Coca-Cola 600 (Cup Series) - Sunday, May 25 at 6:00 PM ET on Amazon Prime
• - Indianapolis 500 (IndyCar) - Sunday, May 25 at 12:45 PM ET on FOX

For more information and resources on prostate cancer awareness, please visit ZEROcancer.org. Together, we can drive forward and champion health, particularly for our nation's veterans.