First annual Men’s Health & Wellness Fair at Saint John’s Health Center

• September 2, 2026
• zeleanor
• Posted in Health and Wellness

Game Plan for Health Brings Men, Families and Cancer Experts Together at Providence Saint John’s

On a sunny Saturday afternoon with a light breeze, Providence Saint John’s Health Center transformed its parking lot into a lively celebration of health, family and community.

On Aug. 29, families gathered for Game Plan for Health: A Men’s Wellness Fair, a free community event designed to make conversations about men’s health, cancer prevention and wellness more approachable—and a lot more fun.

Hosted by Cancer Support Services in collaboration with Providence Saint John’s Cancer Clinics, the afternoon brought together patients, families, physicians, nurses and community members for an event centered on a simple idea: prevention is one of the best defenses against cancer and other serious health conditions.

The event encouraged men and their families to build their own personal “game plan” for lifelong health through prevention, screenings, nutrition, healthy habits and access to trusted medical resources.

Bringing Men’s Health Out Into the Open

Throughout the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with specialists from Providence Saint John’s who care for patients across a range of conditions affecting men’s health.

Experts from the hospital included urologic surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonary surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, anesthesiologists, radiologists, psycho-oncologists and social workers, along with other specialists working in the field of men’s health.

The event also brought together health-care professionals from beyond Providence Saint John’s. Battalion Chief Rob Erdmann sent a company from the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) to participate in the fair and speak with Saint John’s physicians about the importance of early cancer screenings for firefighters. The conversation highlighted the unique occupational risks firefighters face and the critical role that early detection and regular screening can play in protecting their long-term health.

Their presence gave patients and community members an opportunity to ask questions, learn about cancer prevention and screening, and have conversations with the people who guide patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

The goal was not simply to provide information, but to create connections—and to make it easier for men and their families to take an active role in their health.

A Health Fair That Felt Like a Family Fair

Familes come to Saint John’s Men’s Wellness Fair 2026.While health education was at the heart of the afternoon, there was plenty to keep the entire family entertained.
Guests enjoyed a Ferris wheel, photo booth, baseball and soccer activities, along with games and activities for children. A rock-painting station gave younger visitors a chance to get creative, while stuffed animals were available for families to take home to their children.

The event was intentionally designed to welcome the whole family. Rather than asking men to step away from their families for an afternoon focused on health, Game Plan for Health made wellness something everyone could participate in together.

And then there was the dunk tank.

When Patients Got to Dunk Their Doctors

One of the afternoon’s biggest attractions was the dunk tank, where patients and faculty took turns sending some of their favorite surgeons—and other members of the Saint John’s team—into the water.

Even Michael Ricks, CEO of Providence Saint John’s Health Center, took his turn in the dunk tank. For families, it became one of the most memorable parts of the day. Patients who are accustomed to seeing their physicians in clinical settings suddenly found themselves holding the power to send them into the water.

The result was plenty of laughter, cheering and a welcome change of perspective.

The dunk tank offered something that health care does not always have enough room for: play. It allowed patients, physicians and families to interact outside the traditional clinical environment, creating moments of connection that felt personal rather than institutional.

Watch Memories and Moments of the Men’s Wellness Fair!

A Community Effort

The event was made possible through the work of Cancer Support Services, with financial sponsorship from generous community supporters.

• Sarah Rutenberg and Andy Berman, in honor of Ruth and Milton Berman
• Su-Z Schneider, in honor of Theodore Schneider

The Ruth and Milton Berman Family Mentorship Fund was established by the Sara Rutenberg and Andy Berman families to support cancer patients throughout their journey.

Their support helped make possible an event that combined health education with the kind of family-friendly experiences that encourage people to spend time together, ask questions and connect with their community.

Powered by Volunteers

The afternoon was also made possible by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Volunteers from the Saint John’s Volunteers Corps joined students and volunteers from the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) to help bring the event to life.From supporting activities to helping families navigate the event, volunteers played an important role in creating the welcoming atmosphere that made the afternoon feel less like a traditional health fair and more like a community gathering.

Building a Better Game Plan for Health

The idea behind Game Plan for Health was simple: taking care of your health should not begin only when something goes wrong. Prevention, screening, healthy habits and early conversations with medical professionals can all play an important role in maintaining health and identifying potential problems earlier. The event gave community members a chance to learn about those tools while meeting the physicians and care teams who are there to support them.

The fair’s family-centered approach also reinforced an important truth about health: men’s health affects entire families and communities. When men have the information, resources and support they need to take care of themselves, their families benefit too.

For one afternoon, Providence Saint John’s brought together the serious work of cancer prevention and treatment with the simple pleasures of a summer fair—sunshine, games, laughter, painted rocks, family photographs and, of course, the occasional splash into a dunk tank.

It was a reminder that building a healthier community does not always have to feel clinical. Sometimes, it can look like a father laughing with his children, a patient cheering for his surgeon to take the plunge, or a family discovering that talking about health can be part of a really good day together.

At Providence Saint John’s, the best defense starts with prevention—and a strong game plan.

Additional moments from the event:

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