Georgia Family Makes Father's Day 5K a Prostate Cancer Mission
Three generations of the Heslep family turn their Father's Day into a powerful tradition that honors their dad and educates thousands about a cancer that takes a man's life every 20 minutes. Their annual run supports ProstAware, a Georgia nonprofit bringing lifesaving awareness to families across the state.
Every Father's Day morning, the Heslep family drives from Athens and Winder to Alpharetta for something more meaningful than brunch. They lace up their running shoes to honor Tom Heslep, a prostate cancer survivor, while helping save other fathers' lives.
The family makes a full weekend of run4DAD, staying at a hotel the night before for a special dinner together. Then Tom, his wife Pam, their son Jason, daughter Jennifer, and three grandchildren all hit the pavement for the 5K race that benefits ProstAware, a Georgia nonprofit dedicated to prostate cancer education.
"Our family has really enjoyed gathering for dinner together the night before and then we all run the 5K with our Dad on Father's Day morning to support him as a survivor," said Jason Heslep. For him, the race carries a personal warning too: with a father who survived prostate cancer, his own risk more than doubles.
The statistics make this family tradition even more urgent. One in eight men will develop prostate cancer, and every 20 minutes another man loses his life to it. Tom, now a ProstAware board member, knows these numbers represent real families who could avoid tragedy with simple screenings.
Dr. Scott Miller, founder of ProstAware, shares the hope that drives the organization. When prostate cancer is detected and treated early, the five-year survival rate reaches 99%. That single screening could mean decades more Father's Days.
The June 21 event at Wills Park offers something for everyone, from the Peachtree Road Race qualifying 5K to a tot trot for little ones. There's even a "snooze4DAD" option where supporters can stay home, sleep in, and still receive a race shirt while backing the cause.
The Ripple Effect
The Heslep family's commitment shows how one family's experience can create waves of awareness. Jason's reminder that men over 40 with family history need proactive screenings might save the life of someone reading this story. Tom's willingness to share his survivor journey helps break down the silence that keeps too many men from getting checked.
Every runner crossing that finish line on Father's Day carries forward a simple message: early detection saves lives, and these conversations matter.
The race begins at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine, with registration starting at $25 for survivors and $40 for the 5K.
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Based on reporting by Google News - Cancer Survivor
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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