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No One Fights Alone on Our Watch!

I am always fighting for all men battling prostate cancer! Whether it be at one of my shows or during an Uber ride to the airport, my message of early detection is one I will continue to push. 

Jimmy Charles' baby smiling at the camera

As a new Dad of our 4-month old son Charleston, this journey with ZERO has taken on an even bigger meaning. I now have an obligation to my son and my family to be aware of my health since it’s not just about me anymore! 

I’ve been preaching the same message for the past five years as ZERO’s Run/Walk National Spokesman. And 2019 has especially been an incredible year, filled with opportunities to come together with others, see all the unforgettable faces of hope, and hopefully save lives. Having Charleston and Miranda at my side, and sometimes our bulldog Hank, at the Walk/Runs this year has been an extra added bonus!

There are so many great 2019 moments I’d love to share. Here are just a few:

Jimmy Charles' family holding up sign saying Bakersfield at a pier
  • Participating in the first ever Philadelphia Run/Walk
  • Watching the NYC race grow in size with the Statue of Liberty in view
  • Visiting the country roots of Bakersfield, CA
  • Rocking with my full band in Harrisburg, PA
  • Seeing my Prostate Cancer Network friends in Kansas City 
  • Revisiting Charlie and friends at the Steel Stacks of Lehigh Valley
  • Making new friends in Raleigh, NC while honoring my best friend’s Dad, a prostate cancer survivor 
  • Being awed by the Hampton Roads crew as they effortlessly (well it certainly seemed that way) moved their race indoors because they wouldn’t allow a Nor ‘Easter to slow them down
Two men at a run walk event one wearing "I Am Not Alone shirt" and the other pointing at the camera

Years ago, when I left my family and friends and headed to Nashville, I prayed for an opportunity to use my platform to help others through my music. However, I never imagined I’d be peering into so many eyes, singing the story of a survivor (that I co-wrote with a prostate cancer survivor) to men all across the country battling this disease. Looking in their eyes, feeling their pain through their embraces, and hearing their stories, has been an extremely emotional journey that I am very proud of. I’ve seen a lot of men cry and rightfully so! I’ve cried along with them as I’ve sung, still finding it hard to keep it together to just finish my song. 

Run Walk Event holding up hands forming hearts

As my journey continues, I now see their tears as a fuel to my mission in the fight to end prostate cancer for good. My father went to high school with Phil Shulka, the 10 year prostate cancer survivor who Goose Gossett and I wrote Superman about. Coincidentally, or not so much, my father passed while I was in the studio recording the song Superman. I don’t believe in coincidences, but I believe there is a reason the stars have aligned here for me to spread the message of early detection and to be a voice for these men through my song. I believe it is destiny for me and my team. No one’s Superman. No one has to be. No one ever fights alone on our watch!

I truly can’t wait for another year of touching and saving lives. Thanks for all your support and hope to see you at a 2020 Prostate Cancer Run/Walk!

 

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