“Real Men Wear Pink”: Men from the Chattanooga region join the American Cancer Society initiative

The American Cancer Society recruits men from the community each year to wear pink every day for a month as part of an effort to raise awareness and funding in the fight against breast cancer.

But this year is not your typical year. The usual October campaign this year is just a wardrobe selection for 10 local men working on the cause.

Due to the competing causes caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the social measures being taken to mitigate the epidemic of the growing disease, men have to be creative in outreach and funding this year. did. Here we share why they are sticking it out and why they first joined.

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Curtis Ottinger

Real men wear pink 2020 chairs. Managing Partner, Heritage Funeral Home East Brainerd Chapel

“When I participated in this campaign as a candidate in 2018, I didn’t know how it would affect my life. My dear mother was twice in 1981 and 1984, Survived breast cancer, to live a wonderful life until she died in 2009.

“When we launched the’Man in the Man’campaign in 2018, the mothers of our two daughters began a fierce fight against breast cancer, not just spurring them to win that year’s campaign. [in terms of dollars raised]However, by participating in Realmen, I was able to become an advocate for those who needed power and wanted to continue this fight.

“Then I am very honored to join the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society and chair the 2020 Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Together we can make a difference. Together You can raise awareness. Together you can live up to hope. Together, we will find a cure for breast cancer someday. It’s not just for my daughter and granddaughter, but for this disease. My prayer for all women and men who have and will face. “

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Lian Flyer

Real men wear Pink 2020 Co-Chair.Takeda Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

“My dad died of lung cancer eight years ago. I know some people who have fought against different types of cancer. But as a woman, breast cancer awareness is a special challenge for me. I I especially like Real. Men wear pink because it provides an opportunity for men to show support for the challenges women usually face. See creative ways for men to promote themselves. I love you! “

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Stephen Hobbes

CEO and owner of Foametex and Bullet Liner in Chattanooga.Haas Hospice Ambassador

“My father died of cancer when I was three years old. [Cancer] Not only my family but also my wife attacked. Her grandmother and aunt died of this horrific illness.

“Currently, we also have friends who are fighting cancer. By representing the RealMenWear Pink campaign, our beloved family, friends, and [my wife’s, a nurse practitioner] Patients by helping to raise awareness and funding to support this great purpose. “

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Dylan Paris

First Volunteer Bank Commercial Bank Advisor and Senior Vice President

“My grandmother is a survivor of breast cancer. I have several friends who are survivors in my family. I hope the money raised from a group in Chattanooga, Tennessee will help me find a cure for cancer. , Participating in Real Men Wear Pink. “

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Ryan McGowan

Certified Public Accountant, Henderson, Hatcherson, McCullough

“In 2016, my sister was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. I witnessed the challenges and hardships of many doctors, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc. Fortunately, my sister She has defeated her cancer and is in complete remission for four years.

“This process is rather difficult. I want to help reduce the stress as much as possible so that the patient can focus on defeating this horrific disease.”

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Ryan Hood

Owner, Food CPA & Associates

“Cancer has touched many of my loved ones and has affected my life for many years. It is an honor and privilege to be part of an organization that supports the fight against cancer.”

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Austin size mower

Keller Williams Realty Agent and Team Leader Austin Sizemore Team

“I wear pink and encourage 42,000 people who die of breast cancer each year. Some families are experiencing fear and anxiety diagnoses of breast cancer. Together, people affected by breast cancer We can support and support the search for a cure. Real men wear pink campaigns. “

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Roy Leaves

First Volunteer Insurance Agency President and Chief Executive Officer

“My wife got breast cancer in 2009 and oral cancer in 2020. Becky survived both. We are lucky to have great support and family, but we congratulate We understand that some people have cancer that does not receive the support they receive. ACS is working to prevent, treat, and improve support for cancer victims. “

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Stephen “Kell” Harvey

Commercial sale, JAT oil

“Breast cancer is a big blow to me. My mother-in-law has fought cancer many times, which has affected my wife through genetics.”

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Cody Harvey

Chattanooga Morning Point Executive Secretary

“Cancer has affected my family in many ways. My grandfather died of lung cancer, my two uncles died of lung and pancreatic cancer, and my father fought against skin and prostate cancer. It doesn’t directly affect my family, but family members, I wanted to participate in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign to support, raise funds and raise awareness of this big goal. My goal in the campaign is to spread the message, “We will be stronger together.” “

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Mitch McGrath

Mitchell Roberts Studio Salon Owner

“My wife is a survivor.”

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Jeremy Kennedy

President of Kennedy Jewelers

“I am honored to be part of Real Men Wear Pink because I had friends and relatives affected by cancer. The American Cancer Society is a very nice organization and I hope that all the dollars I collect for RMWP will help me early. It feels great to know. Detection, prevention, patient support. “