Nine prominent area men are taking a stand against breast cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society through participation in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign.
Through the month of October, Real Men Wear Pink candidates will encourage women in their lives and in the community to take action in the fight against breast cancer.
“In addition to wearing pink and raising awareness about breast cancer issues, these men will be raising funds to help the American Cancer Society save more lives from breast cancer,” said Carrie Powell, senior market manager for the American Cancer Society.
“Funds raised allow the society to be there for those touched by breast cancer, from research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery, the society provides support to everyone impacted by the disease,” she added. “Every action we take moves us one step closer to a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer.”
Each Real Men Wear Pink candidate is charged with a fundraising challenge and will compete to be the top fundraiser among the other candidates by the end of the campaign.
“No one should have to face a breast cancer diagnosis alone,” said Rick Stanforth, “That’s why I joined the American Cancer Society in support of their lifesaving work by becoming a candidate in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign.
“This is a cause I personally believe in, and as a candidate, I’m committed to raising awareness and funds for the society’s efforts,” he said.
The 2016 Real Men Wear Pink candidates are:
• Mark Bush, Bush Auto Place
• James Evans, Merchants National Bank
• Bob Hixson, Southern State Community College
• John Luttrell, Smith-Feinke-Minton Insurance
• Dale McCamish, Wilmington Church of Christ
• Josh Pohlman, Hillsboro High School
• Jack Powell, Liberty Savings Bank
• Randy Riley, Wilmington City Council
• Rick Stanforth, retired
Each of these men were nominated by friends, family and the Volunteer Leadership Council of the American Cancer Society in South Central Ohio.
The competition began with the recent Reveal Party at Snow Hill Country Club and lasts through the end of October.
According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2016, an estimated 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,450 will die from the disease this year.
In Ohio, 8,950 women will be diagnosed this year and 620 will die from the disease.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.
“Our community can make a huge impact in the fight against breast cancer,” said Powell. “We are grateful to our Real Men Wear Pink participants for lending their voices to our cause and fighting for everyone touched by breast cancer.”
For more information about breast cancer or the Real Men Wear Pink campaign in south-central Ohio, call 800-227-2345.
