It takes everyone to create a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer – both women and men alike. In an effort to create a unique platform to invite men to show support for this important cause, the American Cancer Society is engaging and empowering male community leaders in the fight against breast cancer through the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Each Real Men Wear Pink candidate is charged with a fundraising challenge and competes to be the top fundraiser among the other candidates by the end of the campaign.
While this campaign is a fundraising initiative, it also provides strong awareness efforts in the local community for the American Cancer Society and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. Since 1993, more than 12 million Making Strides Against Breast Cancer participants have helped raise more than $750 million to create a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer. The noncompetitive 3- to 5-mile walks are held in nearly 300 communities nationwide.
American Cancer Society CEO Gary Reedy recently announced that he will join the more than 1,600 individuals who have accepted the challenge to be a part of local Real Men Wear Pink campaigns across the nation to raise awareness for breast cancer and funds for our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer efforts.
“Even if I were not CEO for the American Cancer Society, I would participate because I am a husband and a dad to two daughters,” Ready said. “Every year in the U.S. more than 2,600 men are diagnosed with breast cancer as well as 240,000 of our daughters, wives, mothers, sisters and friends. Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. That must change! And we are making progress: breast cancer death rates have declined by 36 percent since 1989, contributing to 249,000 lives saved.”
In Concord, 14 area gentlemen took the challenge of raising $2,500 each, wearing an item of pink each day in October and engaging their friends and colleagues in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer!
And in case you were wondering who’s taking part, here’s the breakdown of the 14 gentlemen: Peter Burger, Orr & Reno; Michael Dahood, O Steaks & Seafood; Dr. Doug Ewing, Concord Imaging Center; Geoff Forester, Concord Monitor; Jeff Kipperman, Mason & Rich; Dave Mailhot, David Mailhot Enterprise, Inc.; Rusty Mosca, Nathan Wechsler & Co.; Tom Raffio, Northeast Delta Dental; Michael St. Germain, Concord Photo Service; Lt. John Thomas, Concord Police Department; Dr. Joseph Venus, Concord Imaging Center; Mike Violette, Associated Grocers of New England; Erik Wheeler, USB.
“Participating in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign for the American Cancer Society was a no-brainer for me. I am asking for people’s support because I know we all have been touched by someone who has fought cancer. Whether it is watching and supporting your own son going through chemo treatments and getting back on the farm . . . or supporting a co-worker who battled breast cancer over a tax season, but is back in the saddle on her horse . . . or a client’s spouse who also battled breast cancer and now is able to see her child play softball again . . . or a very dear friend and client watching his brave son fight cancer with such determination to see his young family grow up, but sadly not being able to do so,” said Mosca, who as of last check was the fundraising leader with more than $8,600.
“My wife received cutting-edge care with the most talented medical team anyone could wish for. We did so because the research and resources needed to finding a cure comes only from organizations who are completely dedicated to the cause. The American Cancer Society has a long-standing track record of bringing the disease to the forefront and mobilizing the country to get involved,” said Thomas, who will be joined by his fellow brothers in blue by wearing pink ribbon label pins to support their “Real Man” and the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Concord Making Strides
