The New York Mets and NewYork-Presbyterian continued their joint partnership on Tuesday night at Citi Field to offer free prostate cancer screening for all male ticketholders 40 years and older.
Over 300 fans were screened, and with it, received two free vouchers to any regular-season game, Monday through Thursday, for the remainder of the season.
“Being a life-long Met, I couldn’t be more proud to team up with New York-Presbyterian to come out here and join everyone here in taking this PSA test,” Mets legend David Wright, who was on hand to receive the PSA screening, said. “It’s a simple blood test that could save your life.”
That is exactly what happened last year, when Queens native Mike Kender took his family to Citi Field to watch the Mets take on the Miami Marlins on June 13, 2024, as he had so many times before.
“We came to the game that night, took the blood test, and the next day I got my results back from NYP of Queens. I was very surprised to be diagnosed with cancer,” Kender said. “My first thought was ‘I’m in for the fight of my life.”
Kender, 59, won that fight and had the opportunity to meet Wright while screening hours were taking place before and during the Mets’ matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“From the time of getting my PSA test at the stadium, to being diagnosed with cancer, to being here 11 months later. It’s felt like a whirlwind. It’s changed my life. 100%. It’s just great to be alive.
“My advice for everybody, all men, come out and get tested. It could 100% save your life.”
PSA testing, which measures prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood, is one of numerous early-detection and preventative programs offered by NewYork-Presbyterian. While it is not a diagnostic tool, it can indicate that further testing might be necessary.
