Gary lost his battle with prostate cancer two years ago, but his legacy lives on in the Gary Papa Run on Sunday.
"I was diagnosed back in August," Gary Papa told viewers from the anchor desk after his diagnosis.
It's been 7 years since Gary Papa announced he had metastatic prostate cancer. It's been two years since we had to say to goodbye. But his memory lives on.
A tribute to Gary hangs on the wall at Action News, and a picture sits on Jim Gardner's desk.
"I think about him a lot," says Action News anchor Jim Gardner, "and a day doesn't go by when for one reason or another I don't think about Gary."
For Jim, he misses Gary's smile, and his larger than life personality.
"He seemed to really be able to enjoy life beyond any limit that seemed fair," Jim said.
And even though his life was cut short, Gary's legacy also lives on.
His fight against prostate cancer continues with Sunday's 5K race, now named The Gary Papa Run.
"We're really excited," said Shelley Schwartz from Prostate Cancer International.
Organizers of the race say Gary's name carries a lot of weight.
Each year more runners sign up, more money is raised, and more men are getting the message.
"When someone gets before the camera and isn't shy about discussing that, it's the greatest thing in the world," said Shelley.
"He stood up and shouted, 'I have prostate cancer, and you might too so don't be a fool, get checked', and it's not unreasonable to think he saved some lives," said Jim Gardner.
And there is still room if you would like to join us on Sunday for the Gary Papa Run.
You can register the morning of at the Art Museum starting at 7:00am. The 5K *run starts at 8:30am. The 5K *walk starts at 8:40am, and there is also a kids 1-mile fun walk.
Link:http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=442777
