Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Baylor to host prostate cancer benefit on April 30 with special guest Tony Romo

By Pegasus News wire

DALLAS — The Baylor Health Care System Foundation, one of the largest hospital-related fundraising organizations in the U.S., today announced it will host the EveryMan dinner, benefiting prostate cancer research, technology and community outreach, on April 30. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and his father Ramiro Romo, who was diagnosed with the disease in late 2007, will speak at the event.

"Our goal with the EveryMan dinner is to educate the public about the benefits of early detection of prostate cancer," said Rowland K. Robinson, president of the Baylor Health Care System Foundation. "Prostate cancer is a disease that truly can affect every man. Statistics show that nearly one in six men will get it. We urge men to get annual screenings beginning at age 50 because prostate cancer typically does not cause symptoms until the disease is advanced. If it is caught early, it is treatable."

"We hear so much about other types of cancer, but relative to the number of men affected by prostate cancer, there isn’t enough awareness of the disease or funding for research," said Gail Bonneau Olmsted, honorary chair of the EveryMan Dinner. "I hope to change that with this event in honor of my late husband, Robert M. Olmsted, Jr., who was diagnosed with prostate cancer."

The research, technology and community outreach/education programs for prostate cancer require more funding to advance the knowledge and treatment of this critical aspect of men’s health. Prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, receives approximately $485 million in federal funds each year. By contrast, breast cancer, the most common cancer found in women, receives nearly twice that.

The EveryMan Dinner will be held on Wednesday, April 30, beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m., at the Ritz Carlton in Dallas. Following dinner, guests will hear a discussion with Tony Romo and Ramiro Romo, moderated by Scott Murray. Physicians on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas will also share insights on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Individual tickets are available for $500 and tables of 10 are available for $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000. Secure tickets by calling 214-820-4888. Additional event information can be obtained by emailing BaylorEvents@baylorhealth.edu and listing EveryMan in the subject line.

Source: Baylor

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