"I Like your tie."
Why is This Conversation Important?
One in eight women have a lifetime risk of getting breast cancer. A lot of progress has been made in the detection and treatment of breast cancer over the decades, but it is still the second leading cause of cancer death. Wearing pink can lead to talking about breast cancer. Talking about breast cancer can lead to action. Action can lead to early detection or support for patients, families and survivors or funding for research. Action can save lives, and wearing pink might just be the catalyst for that important conversation."That color suits you."
Why Pink?
There is no doubt that the breast cancer movement is something that should unite all of us. Wearing pink is a way to outwardly represent that we stand in solidarity with those who are fighting breast cancer and will do everything we can to help save lives.Breast cancer is serious. Wearing pink isn’t just about fashion and it certainly isn’t about being gimmicky. It is a genuine and thoughtful way to provide support and raise awareness and funds.
Cleveland area brothers, Tim Smith, Joe Smith and Conor Standish are among those who have checked their closets and joined the conversation.
It started in 2018 with Tim. While serving as chair of the American Cancer Society leadership council, he helped get Cleveland’s inaugural campaign off the ground and ran one of the top fundraising campaigns for a couple of years before passing the pink baton to Joe.
Joe served as a Real Men in 2019--edging out Tim’s record slightly. This year, he is providing leadership and guidance to the participants by serving as chair of the campaign while handing down the fundraising part of the challenge to the next brother in line, Conor.
“It is an honor to be chairing this fun, meaningful campaign” Joe says. “Like everyone, our family has been impacted by cancer in more ways than one.”
The brothers lost their grandfather to cancer about 15 years ago and Joe and Tim lost their stepmother, Alisa Smith, to breast cancer eight years ago.
“She was a kind, caring, thoughtful person-always putting others before herself, even while fighting hard against the disease,” Joe shares.
Her strength, along with the many friends and loved ones Joe and his wife, Kaitlyn, have witnessed and supported during their cancer journeys, provide inspiration to the whole family. Conor hopes to beat Joe’s fundraising total, and rumor has it there might even be another brother willing to join the ranks in the future. The brothers, although being very competitive have supported and challenged each other to raise more funds and awareness than the brother before him.
“Of course, we want to beat each other, but our real motivation is to honor our loved ones’ legacies and help others benefit from a cure,” Joe says.
Visit realmenwearpinkacs.org/clevelandoh for more details on how to participate or nominate a Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador.
Our Supporters!
Thank you to Evergreen Podcasts for supporting the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign, where their own Conor Standish, account director, is fundraising for this amazing cause.
Evergreen is one of the fastest growing podcast networks in its class. Its talented, creative team works with top brands and thought leaders to tell inspiring stories through branded content, original shows and partner podcasts. Visit evergreenpodcasts.com.
Conor is joined by 48 area men in these efforts including Chip Battiato, business development manager with NovaCare Rehabilitation. Thank you to NovaCare for its support of the American Cancer Society in Cleveland. Through its ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation program NovaCare Rehabilitation is devoted to improving function and quality of life for their patients and delivering exceptional experiences.
Join the Movement, Fund the Future
“One person can do a lot. United, we can do so much more.”
For nearly 25 years, without fail, thousands have risen early on an October morning, dressed in pink and headed out to walk with their fellow community members at the local American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events. On some days, it rains. On other days, it is nothing but sunny skies. Regardless of the weather, what never changes is the inspiring sea of pink, shoulder to shoulder, united to honor breast cancer survivors, remember those we have lost and raise awareness and funds to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer.
How we unite and fight back this October will look different because of the pandemic, but our passion and commitment to end breast cancer is the same. Making Strides has always been more than just a walk; it’s a movement. We don’t have to get up early and plan for whatever weather Northeast Ohio might throw at us. Anyone, anywhere, can make an impact. We know the future can be free from breast cancer. We’re asking you to join the movement and sign up to save lives. Sign up, unite your team, fundraise and join us for Tributes at Twilight, a visual presentation of luminaria on Oct. 17 at FirstEnergy Stadium and the Pro Football Hall of Fame and on Oct. 22 at the Akron Art Museum.
Whether it’s fueling breast cancer research or helping patients get to treatments, our fundraising makes a real difference in the fight against breast cancer. Throughout the pandemic, the American Cancer Society has been there for cancer patients and caregivers 24/7, listening to concerns and providing accurate, scientific information about COVID-19 and cancer.
