PCRI Recipient of $10,000 Donation Honoring
Boxing Champion Floyd Patterson

PCRI was delighted and honored to be the beneficiary of a donation of $10,000 from the Floyd Patterson Fund for Prostate Cancer Care, a fund instituted by the Prostate Cancer 101 group located in Kingston, New York.

According to Secretary Diane Sutkowski, Frank Guido, a member of Prostate Cancer 101, thought it would be a wonderful idea to set up the Floyd Patterson Foundation for Prostate Cancer Care to honor the memory of this fine gentleman and world champion boxer who lost his life to the disease last May. The fundraising event, held on March 15, 2007 at Mr. Guido’s restaurant, Mariner’s Harbor, was a notable success.

Members of Floyd Patterson’s family were in attendance, as were many renowned sports figures including former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, basketball great Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Brian Kenny of ESPN, and many others local sports and political dignitaries. Auctions of sports memorabilia, artwork and other valuable items donated for the cause helped raise money to support prostate cancer research and education.

Floyd Patterson gained world-wide fame when he won the gold medal in the middleweight division at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. In 1956, at the age of 21, he became world heavyweight champion when he knocked out Archie Moore. He became the first in his division to regain the title when he defeated Ingemar Johannson in a rematch in 1960. He held the title until he was defeated by Sonny Liston in 1962, but continued boxing until his retirement in 1972. Following his retirement, Mr. Patterson opened a gymnasium next to his home and over the next 20 years he spent countless hours training young boys and men, providing them with a shoulder to lean on and an inspiring role model. Even as his health declined, Mr. Patterson remained selfless, always putting others first, inspiring those around him, and simply being there for those who needed him.

Prostate Cancer 101 was founded fourteen years ago by the late Ron Koster, who saw the need for a group to inform, educate and support men with prostate cancer. The Floyd Patterson Foundation for Prostate Cancer Care was established as a tribute to Mr. Koster’s dedication and service.

Since Prostate Cancer 101 and PCRI share a common vision and purpose, The Floyd Patterson Fund for Prostate Cancer Care decided to donate $10,000 “to help PCRI continue its good works.” PCRI is grateful for the generous donation and looks forward to working with Prostate Cancer 101 and the Floyd Patterson Fund to continue our mission of educating people about and seeking a cure for prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI)
 

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