Five notable Big Island men will take a stand against breast cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society through participation in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign.
Throughout 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 for a world without breast cancer.
“In addition to wearing pink and raising awareness about breast cancer, these men will be raising funds to help the American Cancer Society save more lives from breast cancer,” said Sarah Luchenbill of the American Cancer Society Hawaii field office.
“Funds raised allow the society to help save lives through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research and patient support.”
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 candidate Mitch Roth, Hawaii County prosecuting attorney.
“This is a cause I personally believe in and I’m committed to raising awareness and funds for the society’s efforts,” Roth said.
The other Real Men Wear Pink candidates are:
• Daryl Kurozawa, executive vice president of products/sales and marketing Kaiser Permanente Medical Group.
• Ash Denao, head chef at Daylight Mind Café, Kona.
• Nick Traxle, owner and head chef at Privateer’s Cove.
• Donnie Perry, Kona Car Pros.
To make a donation and support a candidate, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/RealMenHawaii.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 252,710 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,610 will die from the disease this year.
In Hawaii, 1,120 women will be diagnosed this year and 140 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.
Other fundraisers this month include a Real Men Wear Pink Fashion Show slated for 6-9 p.m. Oct. 20 at Daylight Mind Coffee Co. in Kona. The event is free to the public. Specialty pink cocktails and pupu will be served with a portion of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
The organization also will host a Real Men Wear Pink Wine Tasting fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased online at www.makingstrideswalk.org/HiloWineTasting.
For more information about breast cancer or the Real Men Wear Pink campaign, contact Luchenbill at 935-0025.
