The 'Why' Behind it
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States. In the U.S. in 2024, there will be an estimated 310,720 new breast cancer cases among women. On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes.
However, due to the work of the American Cancer Society and others, substantial progress is being made. With continued education, early detection, and advances in treatments, survival rates continue to increase. Since 1989, the mortality rate has dropped a staggering 43% through 2020. In the United States, there are over 4 million breast cancer survivors.
The American Cancer Society continues to lead the fight against cancer in the 21st century, and its commitment to creating a future free from cancer runs deep. That’s why it engages campaign ambassadors across the nation to step up and use the power of wearing pink to raise funds and draw attention to the breast cancer fight.
Since 2015, more than $890,000 has been raised locally through the Men Wear Pink fundraising event, and every dollar has helped save more lives. What follows are this year’s Men Wear Pink ambassadors and their personal stories, which have led them to give their time and talent to raise much-needed funds for the fight against cancer.
To help raise money to treat those afflicted by this awful disease and ultimately find the cure for breast cancer, donate to Men Wear Pink of Chattanooga at bit.ly/RMWPChatt.
Lynda Minks Hood
2024 Chair
“I am here today, upholding the commitment of the American Cancer Society and giving hope to all current and the future generations. It takes all of us committed to this fight against cancer to succeed.
As a 27-year survivor of stage 4 breast cancer, it is my responsibility and my commitment to my friends who lost the battle, and those who are fighting, to help find a cure. I want to be able to tell my children and grandchildren that – YES – I made a difference in someone’s life, and I was a part of the generation that found a CURE for cancer. I want them to be able to ask, ‘What was cancer?’
We all have adversities in our lifetime, but the outcome of those adversities will depend greatly on our attitude and how we deal with the situations. No matter what challenges we have in our life, if we keep a positive attitude grounded in our personal faith, we can get through anything.
I was told by my oncologist that the major success of survival, apart from prayer and the treatments, is attitude! Through my bout with cancer, I stayed focused on my faith and the unconditional support of my loving husband, daughter, family, church, and friends. I learned firsthand the power of prayer, the power of faith, and the promise of hope. Optimism allows us to live in a stressful, negative world without being overcome by adversities or losing hope.
Even though October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, every month is cancer awareness month for me. My life motto is: ‘Every day, I have been given a precious gift of life from God. I untie the bow with enthusiasm and thankfulness!’
Will you join me in supporting this cause, spread the word, and do your part to help find a cure for this horrible disease?”
Christopher Cone
Owner, The Printing Pirate
“Two years ago, my wife was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. With the help of our amazing oncology team and many years of research, they were able to provide treatment that swiftly kicked her cancer to the curb, which is why she is still here today. Her fight is not over and the research she needs to survive is ‘why’ this is so important to me!”
Chief Brian Gilbert
Fire Chief, McLemore Resort
“Each year firefighters from across the country rally together to help support breast cancer research, but I am doing this in honor of two aunts that have battled this disease. After losing one of the aunts and watching a coworker who is in her fight with breast cancer, supporting cancer research is a little more personal to me; no one should ever lose a loved one to cancer.”
Ben Cairns
VP of Member and Investor Services, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce
“Cancer robs us, our loved ones, and our colleagues. It hurts our families and community. My mother and father had cancer. This year I lost two important people in my life, a dear neighbor and a coworker, Sybil Topel. Cancer sucks, which is ‘why’ I am participating, so I can do my part by raising money towards research to contribute to a cure so others won’t suffer as our families have.”
Cory Gearrin
Deputy Mayor, Hamilton County
“I spent over a decade playing major league baseball, where I experienced the profound impact that advocacy and cancer research can have in the lives of individuals and families fighting cancer. I witnessed firsthand through campaigns like American Cancer Research how the collective efforts of people just like you and I can drive meaningful change in countless homes and communities across America.”
Vince Butler
President, Butler Consulting and Founding Partner, 5 Strong
“I am doing this in honor of our MWP Chair Lynda Hood, a breast cancer survivor and friend.”
Lee Helton
Hamilton County Commissioner
“I’m participating in Men Wear Pink for my two teenage daughters; to finally defeat breast cancer, so girls like my daughters won’t know the fear of this affliction.”
Dr. Stephen Greer
Breast Surgeon, University Surgical Associates
“I work with patients undergoing breast cancer every day. In treating these patients, I am able to see their amazing strength, each in their own way. I have also been able to see the incredible advancement in the way that we treat these cancers from a surgical standpoint as well as so many others. None of this is possible without the substantial research and resources required to advance this field and provide the best treatment we can offer, and organizations like the American Cancer Society and their Men Wear Pink campaign help provide that future for patients right here in my hometown of Chattanooga, and that is why I am proud to be involved.”
Zack England, ESQ
Owner, England Injury Law
“I accepted the challenge for Men Wear Pink specifically in support of my aunt, Lisa Reed, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and continues to fight. When my aunt called to tell me the news, I told her I couldn’t think of a more resilient person to overcome the diagnosis than her. I’m hopeful my team’s effort and drive can resemble my Aunt Lisa’s fight.”
Joe Marler
Director of Production, Legacy Box
“My incredible mother recently passed away after a brave battle with cancer. I’ve decided to join the American Cancer Society and their #menwearpink campaign this year. So, let’s make this campaign as vibrant and impactful as possible. Donate, share, and maybe even join me in wearing a splash of pink. Let’s show the world that real men (and women) wear pink with pride and purpose.”
The Men of Vision Hospitality
Jeff Hollis
Dual Director of Sales
“I lost one of my best friends and colleagues to cancer a few years ago at the very young age of 29. His wife had just given birth to a new baby boy. I will never forget his love for others and his family. He inspired me because through his battle with cancer, he continued to work hard with his team, his sense of humor never changed, and he was the best husband and father to his family. I miss him daily and think of him often.”
John Post
Area Director of Sales
“My reasons are simple: Jennifer, Jillian, and Elizabeth. My wife and daughters. I hope to see my daughters grow up in a world where cancer affects less families. Come fight with me! Let’s work together to end cancer.”
Ori Friedman
Food & Beverage Manager, Edwin Hotel
“BECAUSE WE NEED TO!”