In its second year in Toledo, nine prominent area 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. Mercy Health will host a launch party at their Perrysburg Cancer Center, 12623 Eckel Junction Rd. in Perrysburg on Tuesday, September 12 at 6:00pm to kick-off this year’s campaign.
“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 Anthony Geraci, senior manager for the American Cancer Society. “Funds raised allow the Society to help save lives from breast cancer 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 Craig Albers, Michael Craig and Matt Sapara, all from Mercy Health. “That’s why we joined the American Cancer Society in support of their lifesaving work by becoming candidates in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. This is a cause we personally believe in, and we’re committed to raising awareness and funds for the Society’s efforts.”
The 2017 Real Men Wear Pink candidates are:
Craig Albers, President & COO, Mercy Health, St. Charles Hospital
Ben Batey, Health Commissioner, Wood County Health Department
Michael Craig, Chief Operating Officer, Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center, Mercy Health - Perrysburg
Greg Duriage, Financial Associate, Thrivent
Jason Lannen, Sales Professional, Yark Chevrolet
Scott Sands, Radio Host, 1370 WSPD
Matt Sapara, Vice President Economic Development, Real Estate & Community Relations, Mercy Health
Nauman Shahid, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Toledo Clinic in partnership with Mercy Health
Dan Vining, Senior Vice President, SSOE, General Manager, EPCM
Rick Woodell, Radio Host, 101.5 The River
According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2017, an estimated 252,710 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,610 will die from the disease this year. In Ohio, 9,430 women will be diagnosed this year and 1,690 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 Geraci added. “We are grateful to our Real Men Wear Pink candidates 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 Toledo, call 800-227-2345.