Puttering 4 Prostate: Group Making 350-Mile Trek In Antique Tractors To Raise Prostate Cancer Awareness

MARINE CITY (WWJ) - In an effort to raise awareness about prostate cancer, a survivor, his son and two others will ride antique tractors some 350 miles from Marine City to St. Ignace in September.

Robert Blanchard, of Marine City, said the trek is called "Puttering 4 Prostate." And the tractors only go about 15 miles per hour, so they've got a long journey ahead.

"A couple years ago, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and it was one of those situations where honestly, I had no idea about the severity of prostate cancer," Blanchard told WWJ's Beth Fisher.

Blanchard said they'll meet up with 1,000 other tractors in Mackinaw City and ride over the Mackinac Bridge to St. Ignace. And they'll raise money along the way for the Michigan Institute of Urology Men's Health Foundation.

"Just like breast cancer, early detection really can make a huge difference in the outcome and the symptoms the person has to live with the rest of their life," he said. "We've teamed up with the Michigan Institute of Urology and they have a men's health foundation that helps individuals out dealing with the financial impact of dealing with prostate cancer."

To donate to "Puttering 4 Prostate," click here.