Racing to Fund a Cure

Dedicated runner and longtime PCF supporter Ramiro Siliezar competed in the 40th annual Los Angeles Marathon. And that’s not even his first race of 2025 – he warmed up with a Super Bowl Sunday fun run.

Nearly every morning, Ramiro begins his day with a run on the beach or up on the trails….and all that training is paying off in more ways than one. He feels stronger than ever for these races, and he’s also been incredibly successful in raising funds for PCF! He smashed through his original goal of $100,000 and is well on his way towards his new target of $200,000.

How does he do it? “Running is what I love to do. I run with my heart,” Ramiro says. “I would run no matter what, but running for an important cause gives me energy and motivation and adds meaning to each mile.”

Taking care of his body is paramount. Good nutrition ensures that he has the proper energy to train. For Ramiro, this means avoiding sugar, choosing chicken and fish instead of red meat, and eating whole, unprocessed foods, He’s also mindful about getting enough sleep – so he’s ready for those early morning runs and to let his body recover.

Even for an experienced runner, the marathon is a tough race. At Mile 24, Ramiro felt one of the worst leg cramps of his racing career, and had to step off the course to stretch. Undeterred, he alternated walking and jogging to finish 26.2 miles.

What does this mean to a person living with a prostate cancer diagnosis? First of all, take heart. Ramiro is helping PCF fund research to speed life-saving and life-extending treatments into the clinic. Other PCF-funded research projects aim to improve the quality of life for survivors such as through optimal nutrition and exercise.

Second, you don’t have to run marathons (or even a 5K all at once) to gain health benefits. Moderate exercise is beneficial across the prostate cancer journey. As UCSF epidemiologist June M. Chan, Sc.D., notes, “As you make incremental gains from wherever you start, there is a benefit.” Speak with your doctor if you are new to exercise, are recovering from treatment, or just aren’t sure what’s safe for you. Consider finding an exercise partner to boost your motivation and to hold you accountable on the days when you might not feel like lacing up your walking shoes.

Finally, Ramiro’s approach to nutrition is on track for general healthy living, including for prostate cancer survivors. Filling your plate with whole, unprocessed foods doesn’t leave much room for processed food with added sugars and salt. What about chicken and fish? Dietary recommendations associated with lower risk of heart disease, cancer overall, and lethal prostate cancer include healthy proteins from plants (e.g., beans, nuts such as walnuts), fish or seafood, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and skinless poultry. Consider emphasizing plant-based protein, given the potential benefits linked to a plant-based diet for patients with prostate cancer.

PCF congratulates Ramiro for another incredible race, and for his dedication to supporting prostate cancer research.