Former MLB pitcher and Staten Islander Jason Marquis receives a free prostate cancer exam courtesy of Richmond University Medical Center.
Former Staten Island major league baseball player joins RUMC, Fans for the Cure, and JCC of SI at outreach event.
On September 30, Richmond University Medical Center hosted a prostate cancer awareness event at the Joan and Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, in partnership with Fans for the Cure. In attendance at the event was former Major League Baseball pitcher and Staten Islander, Jason Marquis. Each year, September is recognized as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
At the event attendees learned about the importance of early detection, available prostate cancer screenings, and spoke directly with urologists and medical professionals from RUMC about symptoms, risk factors and treatments. Attendees also had an opportunity to meet Marquis as well as receive a complimentary prostate cancer screening.
“Prostate cancer is silent,” Richard Maggio, MD, FACS, board certified urologist at RUMC, said. “Screening gives it a voice before it’s too late.”
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the United States after skin cancer according to the American Cancer Society. This year alone, about 314,000 new cases will be diagnosed and close to 36,000 lives will be lost due to prostate cancer. PSA, or Prostate-Specific Antigen testing, is a simple blood test that reveals PSA levels in men. This is the most effective way to annually screen for prostate cancer. Samples taken during the event were analyzed by RUMC and results provided to the individuals at no cost.
At the age of 12, Marquis drew acclaim for pitching a no-hitter in the Little League World Series. The graduate of Tottenville High School is one of the few players to compete in the Little League World Series and the MLB World Series. Marquis’ career began with the Atlanta Braves in 2000. But he began to make his mark after being traded to St. Louis. In 2004, he went 15-7 for the Cardinals and started a World Series game. He went on to win 11 or more games for six straight years through 2009. In 2009, while pitching for the Colorado Rockies, Marquis was named to the National League All-Star Team.
“Fans for the Cure is so grateful to have the support of Richmond University Medical Center,” Fans for the Cure Founder and Chief Advocacy Officer Ed Randall, said. “Early detection is the heartbeat of our mission. RUMC’s belief in it — both through its generosity and its encouragement — helps make screening events like these possible.”
Since 2003, Fans for the Cure, a non-profit organization, has been dedicated to positively influencing the lives of men by organizing medical, educational, and awareness programs focused on prostate cancer.
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
