Breast cancer affects everyone, both women and men. While it’s more uncommon, men can get breast cancer too. But even if they’re not the ones afflicted, the disease can still take its toll. Just ask any man who has witnessed a female loved one battle breast cancer.
That’s why the American Cancer Society is recruiting men to fight breast cancer through the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. They have assembled a distinguished group of male community leaders who are determined to raise awareness and money to save lives.
The INTEGRIS Cancer Institute is proud to have two such men leading the cause.
“My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1980s at Baptist Medical Center. She faced her journey with courage and grace, always showing up for everyone around her regardless of what she was going through personally,” remembers Joe Holcomb, the Director of Oncology Wellness at the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute.
“In my current role, I get to witness cancer survivors on a daily basis begin their survivorship journey. I see the direct impact the American Cancer Society is bringing to our community of survivors. The tangible resources patients are afforded are so vital during a difficult time in their lives. Transportation, lodging and wig resources for patients, along with research and education are just a few reasons I stand with and support the American Cancer Society.”
Holcomb recently set-up a treadmill in the lobby of the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute and ran 20 miles in one day as proof of his passion. That effort raised nearly $1500. Now, he and Samer Hassan, M.D, an oncologist at the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute, have joined forces to try to raise even more. They are pledging to wear pink every day through the month of October in hopes to raise $2500 for the Real Men Wear Pink campaign.
“I wear pink to support all of my breast cancer patients both past and present,” says Hassan. “I hope by increasing awareness of breast cancer screening and early detection, we can help more Oklahomans see more tomorrows.”
The Real Men Wear Pink initiative leads up to the Making Strides of Oklahoma City walk scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 in the Wheeler District, 1701 S. Western Ave. The INTEGRIS team consists of over 200 participants and counting.
