Media contact: Beena Thannickal
"Real men wear pink" face masks will be given to those in attendance. From facemasks and T-shirts to bowties, men will proudly display the color pink on Sunday, Oct. 25, as a visual show of support for those impacted by breast cancer, a disease that affects roughly one in eight women in their lifetime.
The annual “Real Men Wear Pink” event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Crumbey Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, 444 58th St., Fairfield, AL 35064. The outdoor, socially distanced event is an education and outreach activity where attendees will receive educational materials on breast cancer awareness, including information on screening, prevention and treatment.
“This is a visual demonstration of support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a call for greater awareness among everyone in our communities,” said Angela Givins Williams, “Real Men Wear Pink” coordinator. “While we are socially distanced, we remain united in our commitment to continued education, screening, treatment and support for all who are affected by breast cancer.”
Williams is also a cancer patient navigator in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Preventive Medicine and is a member of the Community Advisory Board at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. The O’Neal Cancer Center and its Office of Community Outreach and Engagement are longtime supporters of this event.
While breast cancer overwhelmingly affects women, Williams noted that the disease impacts everyone in the family. Men are encouraged to wear a pink clothing item to show support for loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer. Pink facemasks will be provided at the event.
Community members and individuals are also donating pieces for an “essential items” basket that will be given away in a drawing.