Steve of "Preston & Steve" brings his star power to Gary Papa Run

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's been seven years since we lost our friend and colleague Gary Papa to prostate cancer.

This Sunday, we honor is memory and his message with the annual "Gary Papa Father's Day Run."

Gary's prostate cancer was rare in that it started when he was young-in his forties, and it was very aggressive.

But he shared his story, hoping to save other men from facing a similar battle.

The run on Sunday is now named after him.

And this year, another local celebrity is joining to help spread the word.

His voice has been heard on local radio for decades.

Steve Morrison of "The Preston and Steve Show" on WMMR makes listeners laugh with his jokes and quick wit.

Now he's also hoping to spark listeners - men - to be proactive about their health.

Steve will be a featured speaker at this year's Gary Papa Father's Day Run, which raises awareness, and money for research to fight prostate cancer.

He was diagnosed with the disease two years ago at age 54. He was seeing his doctor regularly and the cancer was caught early.

"The whole message is that being out ahead of it saved my life," Steve told us.

Steve had surgery and is now cancer-free.

He urges other men - talk to your healthcare provider, get the appropriate screening and follow-up.

He tells me he feels honored to be associated with Gary Papa and his message.

And though Gary lost his life, he likely saved many.

"The lives he has saved through his journey and what he went through is almost incomprehensible," says Steve.

That sentiment was recently echoed by another Philadelphia favorite - Charles Barkley.

"He lived a great life and now he's making a difference when he's gone and Philadelphia is a better place because Gary Papa was here," says Barkley.

All men should talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening by age 50.

If you're at a higher risk, such as having a family history or if you are African American, start in your forties.

Many of us at Action News will be there on Sunday.

There is still time to sign up - register here.

The first race starts at 7:30.