Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness to Host Gala Event to Raise Awareness of Increasing Prostate Cancer Diagnoses in Veteran Men

'Make Blue the New Pink' event, hosted on the historic USS Midway to bring leaders together in the fight to combat prostate cancer

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Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness

Feb 03, 2022, 15:04 ET

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness (VPCa) will host their inaugural gala event "Make Blue the New Pink" on Friday, February 4, 2022, aboard the USS Midway historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in San Diego, CA.

VPCa hosts their 'Make Blue the New Pink' Gala event aboard the USS Midway in San Diego, CA to raise awareness for increased number of prostate cancer diagnoses in Veteran men, who have significantly higher diagnoses than general population. Just as pink ribbon awareness is synonymous with breast cancer, we hope to increase the recognition of blue ribbon awareness for prostate cancer as a similar symbol. Numbers of prostate cancer diagnoses are almost equal to those of breast cancer.

Founder, Mike 'Bing' Crosby's personal journey with prostate cancer and his experience with the Phoenix VHA Medical Center in 2014 and 2015. Mr. Crosby graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School "TOPGUN" and the NATO Allied Air Forces Central Europe "Tactical Leadership Program." Crosby has logged over 3,000 hours in multiple tactical jet aircraft.

The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the increasing prostate cancer diagnoses in Veteran men within the U.S., who have nearly a 40% higher incidence rate than the general population. The goal of the VPCa is to change the course, with testing and treatment through awareness campaigns, legislative action, and by bringing industry experts together to promote the latest technologies available for the treatment and cure of prostate cancer to health care providers.

This year's theme, "Make Blue the New Pink" was designed to bring attention to the reality that prostate cancer diagnoses are increasing, and nearing the number of breast cancer diagnoses. Just as pink ribbon awareness is synonymous with breast cancer, we hope to increase the recognition of blue ribbon awareness for prostate cancer as a similar symbol.

The evening -- which is open to the media -- will begin with a VIP reception at 6:30 p.m. PST followed by the full gala program starting at 7:30 p.m. PST. This event will be safely hosted in an open-air hanger.

Current speakers include:

Dr. Matthew Rettig, Professor of Medicine and Urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Marianne Gandee, Vice President, Patient Solutions & Alliances, Pfizer Oncology
Bela S. Denes, MD, Vice President of Global Medical Affairs at Lantheus Medical Imaging
Dr. John Feller, Chief Medical Officer, Halo Diagnostics & U.S. Airforce Veteran
Elizabeth Kennard, Senior Director Marketing Americas, Accuray

Special appearances expected to include honorable Veteran heroes, industry leaders, and government representatives.

Funding and support provided by Pfizer Oncology, Lantheus and Accuray. Additional partners for this inspirational evening include Halo Diagnostics, Janssen Oncology, Tolmar, Blue Earth Diagnostics, Dendreon, SpaceOAR Hydrogel, Perineologic, Bayer, and Profound Medical.

About VPCA:
Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness (VPCa) is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives by promoting prostate cancer awareness, education, and solutions among the Veteran population and active-duty military members.

VPCa is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed in December 2016 through Founder, Mike 'Bing' Crosby's personal journey with prostate cancer and his experience with the Phoenix VHA Medical Center in 2014 and 2015. Mr. Crosby graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School "TOPGUN" and the NATO Allied Air Forces Central Europe "Tactical Leadership Program." Crosby has logged over 3,000 hours in multiple tactical jet aircraft, including the F-14, F/A-18, B-1B, Mirage 2000, Tornado GR1, Harrier, F-15, and F-16N.

Digital Assets:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cRYYdTsI9VXd1Ls9V8KM6UUD_4UYRpz7?usp=sharing

Media Contact:
Amy Koenig
[email protected]
www.veteransprostatecancer.org
530-927-8032

SOURCE Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness