Real Men Wear Pink

Stand Up to Cancer

It’s the time of year for football, pumpkin spice and lots of pink. October of Breast Cancer Awareness month and for years people have worn pink as a show of support. This year in southern Illinois, the American Cancer Society is joining in on the Real Men Wear Pink fundraiser.

I’m proud to have been asked to participate in the program. It’s pretty easy, commit to wearing something pink each day in the month of October. Friends and family can make donations online for the cause. My goal is $2,500. The effort starts today though, Sept. 1.

Cancer impacts all of us. My grandma Hunsperger died from cancer in 1974. My aunt Rita battled pancreatic cancer for months before dying from it in 2002 and my uncle Dan died from cancer in 2004. In the past few years, my mom has gone through two battles with bladder cancer. She had her bladder removed in 2017 as a result.

Those are just a few of the reasons I stand up to cancer and work to raise money and awareness for a cure. Last year I did No Shave November and despite some criticism, I was overwhelmingly supported in my effort. I raised a couple hundred dollars for that cause.

So this year I’m pinking it up and will be embracing the color all October long. Maybe I’ll grow a beard and dye it pink too, that way I don’t have to go out and buy new pink items to wear. If you’re interested in supporting or joining the cause, click here.