Just in time to kick-off summer, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Baltimore Oriole Hall of Famer and prostate cancer survivor Gregg Olson have joined forces to help Americans get in shape while raising money and awareness for life-saving prostate cancer research during Men’s Health Month in June. The “Go the Distance” fitness fundraiser is designed for anyone to participate by engaging in their favorite physical activities or sports such as swimming, biking, walking, hiking, dancing, running, tennis, etc. to create awareness about the disease that one in eight U.S. men will be diagnosed with this year.
Although Olson recently underwent prostate cancer surgery, the American League Rookie of the Year Award-winning relief pitcher is right back on his feet and staying active, pursuing the 100-mile goal to help inspire other men to take control of their health.
“PCF greatly appreciates the support that Gregg is lending to this fitness campaign. As an athlete and prostate cancer survivor, he understands the importance exercise contributes to one’s health,” said Jonathan Simons, MD, PCF president and CEO. “Over thirty percent of all cancer is preventable with healthy lifestyle habits such as integrating regular, daily exercise. Coming off a year when the coronavirus pandemic limited our physical activity makes ‘Go the Distance’ the perfect opportunity to encourage Americans to resume an active, healthy life.”
Gregg Olson is a retired MLB relief pitcher who played with several teams throughout his career such as the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers and most notably, the Baltimore Orioles in which he has been inducted into the Orioles Hall of Fame. Additionally, Olson became the first relief pitcher to win the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1989. He publicly announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in March 2021.
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