Huntley Family Raises Awareness About Prostate Cancer

Well-known and active in the community, the Lovins family has been in Huntley for generations.  It was a shock to everyone when suddenly at 47-years-old and in seemingly good health, Michael—the third child of seven Lovins siblings and a father of two-- suffered a total of three strokes and two heart attacks.  It took months for the doctors to diagnose the cause:  Stage 4 Prostate Cancer.

Michael had never been tested for prostate cancer, and though he fought hard, he lost his battle two and a half years ago. For the entire Lovins family, Michael's illness was life changing.   Amy, the youngest sibling, decided to completely switch careers due to the family's experience.  She began studying exercise and science and has since found her calling in healthcare.

"Each one of us has handled Michael's death in a different way," says Amy.    Last year, Amy and her husband, Brian, ran the 5K at the SEA Blue Prostate Cancer Run/Walk.  "This year we have decided to gather as a group at the event, and seek closure to this painful chapter in our family’s history," said Amy.

Over 30 members of the Lovins Cure Team, including the Lovins parents, Michael’s children and most of the siblings, will make the trek downtown to Lincoln Park on September 15 for the ninth-annual SEA Blue Prostate Cancer Walk/Run.   This event is a collaboration among three local healthcare organizations dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer:  Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network, Wellness Place, cancer education and support, and UroPartners.

            “Prostate Cancer survivors and families often don’t know where to turn for resources after diagnosis,” said Pamela Reiss, executive director of Wellness Place Cancer Education and Support located in Palatine, Ill.  “This event is helping us communicate the urgent message that support, education and advocacy are available and accessible through organizations like Us TOO International and Wellness Place.”  According to Ms. Reiss, the SEA Blue name for this event emphasizes the importance of the blue ribbon as the official symbol for prostate cancer awareness.  SEA is an acronym for the event’s goal to raise funds to Support, Educate and Advocate for survivors and families in the fight against prostate cancer. 

            Individual event participants and teams of survivors, families and friends are currently registering for the event which will feature a celebration walk and a 5K run.  Organizers are preparing a fun, family event for all ages, including kids’ activities, free pizza lunch and exciting prizes for fundraising.   New this year, an Education Tent will be hosting world-class speakers on prostate cancer with time for audience participation and questions.  A blood test that can be used to monitor prostate health, known as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA), will be offered, sponsored by UroPartners Prostate Center at the Glen.

“Every year at this event we identify people with elevated PSA counts, and we encourage them to discuss these findings with their doctors,” said Tom Kirk, president and CEO of Us TOO International, headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill.   “By offering this test, our aim is to help men make informed decisions about early detection and treatment for prostate cancer.”  

            Cost for participating in the walk or 5K run is $45 per adult and $25 per child by pre-registration or $50 per adult and $30 per child for day-of registration.  Children rates are for ages 7 to 17.  Children 6 and under are free.  Paid participants receive an event T-shirt and lunch buffet while supplies last. 

Corporate supporters for the event include Abbvie, Bayer Healthcare, Foglia Family Foundation, Novartis, Dendreon and Medivation/Astellas.  

For more information on how to participate please call (630) 795-1002 or visit www.seablueprostatewalk.org.  Additional information can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SEABlueProstate or Twitter at http://twitter.com/SEABlueWalk3K.