Local Hero Uses Van to Raise Prostate Cancer Awareness Among Children

The following is an installment of NewsMutiny Heroes, a space dedicated to celebrating the achievements of everyday heroes around the country this Thanksgiving season.

Ernie Stark is a humble man who does not like to talk too much about his past, but what he is doing in the present is nothing short of inspiring.

Every day, while most adults are at work earning a paycheck, Stark is spending what little money he has on video games and candy to entice their children into his van. His mission: to raise prostate cancer awareness amongst America's children, "or something".

"The best time to get them is between three and five o'clock outside the park or the 7-11 – to teach them about prostate cancer," Stark says, chuckling good naturedly, "Sometimes they don't wanna."

The National Cancer Institute estimates that over 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States, a staggering number that drives Stark to persevere in his pursuit to educate the next generation.

"I can't stop. Sometimes I wish I could and get on with my life, but I can't. Oh, Lord how I've tried," said an abruptly emotional Stark, "I just can't. Oh, Christ."

His passion notwithstanding, Stark confesses that money issues are a persistent hindrance to his efforts.

"I need money, but please don't. Please don't," wept an unshakably modest Stark.

If you would like to donate to Mr. Stark's effort to raise prostate cancer awareness amongst America's youth, please leave a cash envelope under a tire of the rusty brown van parked on the corner of Orange and Hickory streets in Lancaster, Delaware.