KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifieds-Early detection saves lives at the Prostate Cancer Screening and Health Fair

Early detection saves lives at the Prostate Cancer Screening and Health Fair

By Rebecca Lane - bio | email

POCAHONTAS, AR (KAIT) - One cancer survivor has made it his mission to save the lives of others.

Raul Blasini is a thirteen year prostate cancer survivor.  Soon after moving to Pocahontas, he saw a need and decided to do something about it.

"I found that most people don't have the source to pay for going to the doctor," Blasini explains, "so I said, ‘let's do something for the people who can't afford to go to the doctor."

He spear-headed a free Prostate Cancer Screening fair eight years ago.  The following year, other medical agencies wanted to get involved.  It has snow-balled into its eighth annual Health Fair.  What was once just Prostate Cancer screenings now includes so much more. 

Health officials from all over come for various free checks including: cholesterol , blood pressure, blood sugar, lung function, body mass index, skin cancer, dental health and hygiene, hearing tests, and vision, along with free tetanus shots, breast self-exam education and mammogram certificates.  All services are free of charge.

Blasini said it was early detection that saved his life and it makes him feel great to see survivors that found that early detection thanks to the Prostate Screening and Health Fair.

"We have several people here today who are free of cancer...yes...I feel great."

There are two Prostate Cancer Screening and Health Fair events coming up soon.

One is on October 10^th at the Walnut Ridge Community Center and another will be October 31^st at the Corning Community Center.  Both will take place from 8 am to 12 pm.

For more information, contact Raul Blasini at 870-926-3894 or the Center on Aging NE at 800-745-0557.

 ©2009 KAIT

All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.