About Us
The Peoria Area Prostate Awareness Society was created to help prostate cancer victims become survivors through compassionate support and by increasing awareness about prostate cancer and the critical importance of early detection.
Established in 2013
It all began like many good things: over a pint at Jimmy’s Bar in West Peoria, Illinois.
Dr. Greg Wahl, a Peoria dentist (now retired), had a patient come in who shared he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. As a man in his early 50’s, he was scared, had a lot of questions, and needed some financial support for upcoming treatments. Dr. Wahl was moved by this man’s story and felt something needed to be done.
So, Dr. Wahl and Jimmy Spears (proprietor of Jimmy’s Bar) hatched the Peoria Area Prostate Awareness Society. The goal was to raise funding, increase awareness, and provide a sympathetic ear to those in the Peoria area who have been diagnosed. Jimmy had already been working on a fundraising idea to host a bicycle pub crawl to West Peoria establishments, and this fit nicely. It was personal to him, too. His brother Pat is a prostate cancer survivor. In the years since, PAPA’s events have raised more than $40,000, and provided financial support and confidential conversations for numerous survivors.
PAPA's Board of Directors
Jimmy Spears
Born and raised in Peoria, I am one of seven brothers. I attended St. Marks catholic grade school and Spalding high school. I am blessed with 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren. In 1982, I opened Jimmy’s Bar and have been it’s proprietor since. Since becoming a business owner, I have been involved with numerous charitable causes. My interest in prostate cancer awareness began when Dr. Wahl approached me about the need for awareness in the Peoria community. I am very proud to be apart of this organization and the successes we have achieved thus far.
John Spears - President
I am a lifelong Peoria resident. For the past several years I have been practicing law in the area. I also teach in the legal studies department at Illinois Central College. My involvement with the Peoria Area Prostate Awareness Society began shortly after its incorporation in 2013. Since then, I have had the privilege of managing the organization’s finances. Along with the other directors on this hard-working board, I have also helped set up bourbon raffles, Fun Rides, and holiday gift baskets. It has been an honor to contribute to this remarkable organization and assist local families affected by prostate cancer.
Tara Nguyen - Secretary
I was born and raised in Peoria. I currently work at Bradley University as the Interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management. I became involved in the Peoria Area Prostate Awareness Society while working at Jimmy’s Bar, making fliers for the ride and then joining the board as the secretary. It has been exciting to watch the board and local support grow while trying new events and amazing to be part of an organization that is committed to supporting people affected by prostate cancer in our local community.
Brent Lonteen - Vice President
I was born in Peoria and grew up in West Peoria, a proud graduate of St. Mark’s catholic grade school and Spalding high school. I became involved in this effort in 2016 by participating in the annual fun ride. if you know Jimmy Spears, then you know how good he is at getting people involved in various charities and causes. So, one day I volunteered to help plan the next year’s ride and suddenly found myself on the board of directors. it has been my honor and privilege to work side by side with so many survivors, families of survivors, and dedicated volunteers. Like many men my age, I did not give any thought to PSA levels or prostate checks. I have been blessed with mostly good health my entire life. But I give plenty of thought to it now. Every year I get a complete physical that includes a PSA level check. Help us spread the word!
Pat Spears
I was born and raised in Peoria .Even though my brother Jim was a founding father of Peoria Prostate Awareness, I never really gave prostate cancer much thought. I was one of seven brothers and none of us were affected by it. That all changed when I was diagnosed November of 2021. I was done with my treatment when Jimmy asked if I’d like to be on the board. I agreed for a couple reasons. I think it’s very important to get the word out to be checked. My cancer was found by accident. I don’t know what would have happened if I wasn’t diagnosed. I didn’t go to the doctor for regular check ups. When I was diagnosed I was very fortunate. I knew a few people that had prostate cancer. I was able to ask them questions about what to expect before during and after treatments they had. I also thought it was important being on the board to give that opportunity to others that may not have anyone to talk to or would like another opinion about it. I will help people by answering their questions the best I can. I want people to know to get checked regularly. It’s better to have it found early with regular check ups then wait and have it found by accident like I did because then it might be too late.
Steve Tippett - Treasurer
As a native of Chillicothe, IL and over 40 years of health care delivery in Peoria, I am very familiar with local efforts to educate men about prostate health. From outstanding medical physicians and surgeons to state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment resources, we are richly blessed with an effective system in place to help a man in his journey with prostate issues. Unfortunately, too many men wait too long prior to a diagnosis of prostate cancer. A key component to prostate care is education about this walnut sized organ. What can go wrong? How can this problem be addressed? That is where the Peoria Area Prostate Awareness Society (PAPAS) entered the picture for me. From my first PAPAS bike ride I was hooked on assisting a group of outstanding likeminded men to enhance prostate cancer awareness. Sharing my interest in assisting current Board members has resulted in the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of PAPAS. I totally enjoy brainstorming, formulating action plans, and serving the public on the Board.
Dan Spears
I was born in Peoria and was raised in Kickapoo, graduating from Brimfield High School and joining Steamfitters local 353 immediately following. I have always lived in the Peoria area and I love the community. In 2021 my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and it was a scary and eye opening time. He has since recovered but it’s still something I think about often. That is what made me want to get involved with PAPAS. Men don’t always take the best care of their health and I hope to help raise awareness the importance of getting PSA levels checked regularly.
Daryl Claudin
I am 65 years old and have been a lifelong Peoria resident. I am retired from the State of Ill. after 32 years of service. I graduated from Woodruff High School in 1976. I decided to be a member of this great organization because of its goals to help others in need of assistance or to help with questions or guidance.This is a group that is fun to work with and I enjoy helping out!
Pat Risen
I am 64 years old and I am a prostate cancer survivor, 14 years cancer free. I am married and have 4 daughters who have blessed me with 10 grandchildren. I was only 50 years old (which is younger than average) when I went for a physical. When my doctor told me I was positive for cancer, that was the worst thing anyone has ever told me. Fortunately mine was detected very early. My mission for my involvement on this board is to spread awareness and hopefully help others with early detection as well. God bless you.
Pat Hartzler
I have been a member of the hospitality community in one form or another for 20+ years. I have also been a part of many wonderful fundraising efforts. and there are few more important than raising money to support these men going through the process of treating prostate cancer.