Training for the Marathon

From the Desk of Lori Tessel

Dear Friends,

Some of my favorite conversations at PCF happen in the hallway with Ramiro Siliezar, who keeps our building running behind the scenes and greets everyone with a warmth that makes you stand a little taller. Ask about his weekend, though, and you’ll hear about miles. Lots of them.

Ramiro’s story, which I’m delighted to share below, reminds me of a simple truth: there is no one way to be a philanthropist. Some people write a check. Some give in honor of a father, a husband, or a friend. Some lace up their shoes before sunrise. Every form of generosity fuels the breakthroughs helping millions of men live longer, fuller lives.

With gratitude,

Lori Tessel

Chief Philanthropy Officer
Prostate Cancer Foundation

Every Mile with Heart: Meet Ramiro Siliezar

By day, Ramiro is part of the facilities team, taking care of a hundred things so the work of curing prostate cancer never misses a beat. Nearly every morning, he takes care of one more: his run, on the beach near the office or the trails near his home.

“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.”

That heart was on full display at this year’s Los Angeles Marathon. “Race day was so hot that a lot of runners dropped out,” Ramiro recalls. “I kept going. And seeing my PCF family out there cheering me on around mile 20 meant everything.” He brings the same determination to his fundraising: after surpassing his original goal of $100,000 for PCF-funded research, he set a new target of $200,000.

Sixteen years ago Ramiro was inspired to fundraise for PCF by our organization’s Founder and Chairman, Michael Milken, who suggested Ramiro participate in the All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run. And this year on November 1,Ramiro will face his biggest stage yet. Ramiro will run the New York City Marathon as part of PCF’s first-ever team in the race, and all of us will be cheering him through every borough.

Start Your Own Fundraiser

Give Smarter: Put a Name on Your Impact

Did you know? One of the most meaningful ways to give is also one of the simplest: a tribute gift in honor or in memory of someone you love.

Give in honor. Celebrate a survivor, a caregiver, or a milestone with a gift in their name. We’ll let them or their family know about your thoughtful gesture.

Give in memory. A memorial gift honors a life while funding the research that protects the next generation of fathers, brothers, and friends.

Create a memorial page. A lasting online tribute where family and friends can share memories and contribute over time.

Make a Tribute Gift

Create a Memorial Page

Because of You

Every mile Ramiro runs, every tribute gift made in a loved one’s name, and every donation of every size adds up to a global research enterprise that has helped fund more than 2,000 researchers around the world. That is the power of a community giving in its own way.