Emmy-winning meteorologist and Today show anchor Al Roker will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Rally Against Cancer in Des Moines, Iowa, this weekend. 

The event, held annually to support the UnityPoint Health John Stoddard Cancer Center, has raised over $7 million throughout its 25-year history. 

Al Roker, known for his nearly three decades as NBC’s weather anchor, brings a deeply personal connection to this cause, having battled prostate cancer himself.

Roker, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020, 

has been an advocate for early detection and cancer awareness, using his platform to raise awareness of the importance of routine medical checkups. 

He shared the news of his diagnosis on air, allowing viewers to join him on his journey. 

The event will be an opportunity for Roker to not only share his own story but also to inspire others to take proactive steps in their health and wellness.

During an interview with The Register, Al Roker reflected on how his cancer diagnosis changed his perspective on life. He explained how he was fortunate that his cancer was detected early, following a routine medical checkup in September 2020. “I took the opportunity to get tested, and thankfully, I did because that probably saved my life,” Roker said. After undergoing surgery to remove his prostate and nearby lymph nodes, Roker was declared cancer-free in November 2020. However, the experience still affects him, and he continues to monitor his health with yearly tests, expressing gratitude for his good fortune.

Although he remains cancer-free, Roker admitted to feeling anxiety each year around the anniversary of his diagnosis. “Things right now are good, but nothing is ever 100 percent,” he said. “I would be a fool to say, you know, I’ll never develop cancer again.” Despite this lingering concern, Roker maintains an optimistic outlook, focusing on the lessons he’s learned through his journey, especially when it comes to prioritizing his health.

One of the silver linings Roker found during his battle with cancer was an increased appreciation for his health and well-being. He noted that facing a health scare often results in a heightened awareness of how precious life is. “Anytime you’ve had a health scare, you tend to have more of an appreciation for your world and your health,” he said. “You want to optimize your chances, and that comes by trying to eat better and exercise more.”

Roker’s story is particularly important for the African American community, as studies show that Black men are nearly 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it. The American Cancer Society’s 2025 report emphasizes the importance of early detection and regular testing for at-risk populations. Al Roker has become a vocal advocate for men, especially African American men, to get tested early and to stay up-to-date with their health checkups. He urges men not to ignore health concerns, as early detection can make a critical difference.

“I think detection is key for ourselves and for the people we care about, and you can’t detect without testing,” Roker said. “Ignoring health issues doesn’t make them go away; the more time spent without getting checked up, the greater the possibility for things to go wrong.” He encourages people to be proactive and to seek help when needed, reminding them of the importance of regular medical visits, no matter how busy life gets.

Roker also shared advice on how to make the most of medical appointments, stressing the importance of advocating for oneself. “If you’re lucky, you’ll get maybe 15 or 20 minutes with their doctor, and you have to maximize that time,” he explained. He encourages patients to take notes during appointments, bring a support person for help, and ensure all concerns are addressed.

This weekend’s Rally Against Cancer is an important event for Roker, and his message of hope and advocacy will be a powerful one for those in attendance. The event will take place at the Community Choice Credit Union on Saturday evening. Although ticket sales have closed, the public is encouraged to support the event through donations, which will benefit patient support services provided by the John Stoddard Cancer Center. These services include a wellness program, patient navigation, and other services aimed at supporting cancer patients and their families free of charge.

Al Roker’s visit to Des Moines not only brings attention to cancer awareness but also celebrates the spirit of community and resilience. Roker’s personal story and unwavering commitment to health advocacy make him a fitting speaker for the event, and attendees will undoubtedly leave with a renewed sense of purpose when it comes to their health and well-being.

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