During the course of researching treatments for his own prostate cancer, Bernie Sher realized he wanted to become an advocate for other men.

At first, Bernie was shocked that he had prostate cancer – he was fit and healthy and diligent about being tested every year. As he began to come to terms with his potentially life-threatening situation, he was determined to become his own cancer advocate. He sought a second opinion, did extensive research on the Internet, read books and spoke with cancer survivors. Bernie soon discovered how unaware most men were. Along the way, he decided others also need an advocate.

“Millions of men think they know about prostate cancer but are really unfamiliar with the various treatments and long-term outcomes,” Bernie says. “Even worse to me was the realization that there were many men who didn’t even know what a prostate was or that they, too, could be at risk for the disease.”

Now that Bernie is a survivor, he takes every opportunity to talk with his friends about prostate cancer and urges them to be tested. Several men newly diagnosed with the disease have called him for support. Now, Bernie wants to take his message even further and has launched a program called “Miles for Men,” a series of 5K road races to raise money for prostate cancer awareness.

“Miles for Men” combines Bernie’s expertise in fund raising and athletics to make more men aware of the risks and symptoms of prostate cancer and how to go about being tested for the disease. Equally important is the latest research into treatments, he says.

“I’m on a mission to educate men about prostate cancer,” Bernie says.

Endurance athletics has been part of Bernie’s life for more than 25 years. A retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, he’s run the Boston Marathon and has competed in the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships and many cycling and road races.

As the most senior member of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope™ Team, Bernie wants to inspire people of all ages to be diligent when diagnosed with cancer or any other disease. “It’s imperative to find out who is providing the most cutting-edge treatments and where to find clinical trials,” he says.