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Men Wear Pink Movement: Fighting Breast Cancer Together

October brings breast cancer awareness to the forefront certainly but funds need to be raised all the time. This year, the Men Wear Pink campaign, supported by the American Cancer Society, stands as a testament to how individual dedication and corporate backing can amplify the call for early detection, awareness, and fundraising for breast cancer. With a personal connection to this cause, Corey Smith, owner of FastSigns Monroeville, is a driving force behind this year’s campaign in Pittsburgh. 

A Personal Journey of Resilience

For Corey, this cause is deeply personal. His mother, Anne Smith, is a two-time breast cancer survivor, faced the disease with remarkable strength. Reflecting on her initial diagnosis in 2009, Anne shared, “My first thought was, ‘How soon can I get this out of me?’” She acted swiftly, having surgery within a week of her diagnosis. Her experience underscores the importance of early detection, as she attributes her survival to regular mammograms—a practice she firmly believes should start earlier than the standard recommendation of 40.

“Getting checked is crucial,” says Anne, emphasizing the life-saving impact of mammograms. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, including 35 rounds of radiation, her unyielding optimism was evident to those around her, including her son Corey, who admitted, “You kind of think your parents are invincible. Reality hits like a slap in the face, but knowing she was strong helped us stay strong too.”

Men Wear Pink: A Community-Driven Campaign

When Corey was asked to lead the Men Wear Pink campaign, he saw an opportunity to honor his mother’s strength and bring the fight against breast cancer into the community. Through his company, FastSigns, he incorporated corporate involvement to help amplify the message. With a fundraising target of $2,500, Corey has organized events and taken a unique approach by wrapping his truck in pink as a moving symbol of hope and awareness.

This pink truck, featuring the American Cancer Society logo and Men Wear Pink branding, not only serves as a marketing tool but sparks curiosity and dialogue. “It’s a rolling billboard wherever I go,” Corey explains.

The Power of Community Fundraising

Corey’s approach combines creativity and community spirit. He organized events like a golf outing on October 26, pink-themed pizza nights with ribbon-shaped breadsticks, and a special “boob pizza” night for Halloween where he dressed up like the pizza delivery guy from Disney Pixar’s Toy Story movie. A portion of the proceeds from these events goes directly to breast cancer research and support. Local businesses, such as Roll-Up Coffee Shop in Forest Hills, are also joining the cause, with proceeds from a specially crafted watermelon lemonade drink supporting the campaign.

The campaign uniquely encourages men to participate, raising awareness that breast cancer is not exclusive to women. The involvement of men in breast cancer awareness and fundraising shifts perceptions, helping to spread the message that the disease can affect anyone. Corey, a girl dad himself, has witnessed his mother’s journey, hopes that by bringing men into the conversation, more individuals will recognize the need for routine screenings and early detection.

Addressing the Gaps in Advocacy and Insurance Coverage

Patient advocacy is essential in the fight against breast cancer, as highlighted by Anne’s personal experiences with insurance issues. She faced frustrating delays and financial barriers to essential diagnostics, revealing a need for greater support and insurance reform. “One diagnostic mammogram cost me $500, whereas regular mammograms are covered by insurance. I don’t think people should have to worry about cost when it comes to life-saving screenings,” Corey shares, voicing a sentiment echoed by many.

The recent law requiring health facilities to disclose breast density information is a step forward. Increased transparency and patient advocacy can help others navigate the challenging journey of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Building a Future of Hope and Awareness

With a team effort, including community events, corporate partnerships, and advocacy, Corey’s campaign reminds us that every effort counts in the battle against breast cancer. As the Men Wear Pink campaign gains momentum, the collective hope is for more lives saved, one early detection at a time.

This October, let’s rally behind Corey and his team, wearing pink, donating generously, and spreading the message of resilience and hope.