You’ll know who they are as soon as you see them this Month. They’ll be wearing pink sunglasses, pink boas, pink bow ties and maybe a pink glitter beard. These are Real Men, and they’re showing off their support for breast cancer awareness through an innovative fundraiser as part of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.
Called Real Men Wear Pink, this fun way to raise monies for The American Cancer Society is new to Central Pennsylvania. Laura Weis, senior director, division communications, American Cancer Society, Inc., is thrilled to have the opportunity to launch it in the region.
“The event originated in another state and was so successful that it was expanded nationwide,” says Weis. “The response so far has been enthusiastic, and we have a great group of candidates from various professional backgrounds and geographic areas who have joined the Real Men Wear Pink campaign.”
She adds, “We’re excited for this inaugural class of candidates who are setting the stage for future campaigns.” The man who brings in the highest donations will be announced in the early part of November.
So who are this year’s “Real Men”?
Read their brief bios below, and be sure to vote for your favorites with a donation at makingstrideswalk.org/realmenharrisburgpa. If you want to join them on October 15, 2016, at the Making Strides event on City Island for the non-competitive 5K walk around the Island and along Front Street, visit the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer website to register. More than 6,000 people are expected to be in attendance at Making Strides, and all proceeds will help the American Cancer Society fund research, services, information and education to help people prevent, treat and survive breast cancer.
Meet the Men Who Agreed to Wear Pink Every Day in October
Hometown: King of Prussia
Still in search of a pink…microphone.
“I’m looking forward to being part of this fundraiser because I believe our group of ‘Real Men’ can really make a difference, and hopefully we inspire others to also give of themselves for a cause like this. My hope is that this year’s first Real Men Wear Pink event is the first of many and leads to the beginning of the end of breast cancer.”
Fran Chardo, Career Prosecutor
Hometown: Philadelphia
Still in search of a pink…item he can wear on his suit during trial.
“Breast cancer and cancer in general affects so many families. Anything we can do to aid in this fight is worth doing. It is a great cause, and I will enjoy connecting with friends and family to enlist their help. I hope we can raise a lot of money and awareness to fight a dreaded disease.”
J. Michael Curci, Merchant Card Services Sales Manager at Fulton Bank
Hometown: Harrisburg
Still in search of a pink… nothing! He’s set!
“This fundraiser supports a cause I believe in, the American Cancer Society. I know that by wearing pink for 30 days in a row, I’m creating awareness and generating dollars for life-saving research.”
Doug Eppler, Director of Marketing and Communications, York Revolution
Hometown: New Freedom
Still in search of pink…dye or glitter for his fake beard.
“My family, like so many others, has been affected by cancer, and I want to be part of the solution that ensures no families ever have to face that challenge and heartache. This fundraiser has clearly drawn many fun and creative people together for a great cause. My hope is that this event draws out many more ‘Real Men’ to join the fight against the disease that affects us all.”
Jackson Federle, Facility Manager for the York Revolution
Hometown: Ames, Iowa
Still in search of a pink…tutu or something else epic!
“I’m looking forward to being part of ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ because cancer has affected my life in numerous ways. I hope this year’s event raises awareness and a boatload of money.”
Dan Green, Lemoyne Borough Councilman
Hometown: Lemoyne
Still in search of a pink…pair of dress shoes.
“I feel this is the best way to honor my mother-in-law’s memory. Two months prior to our wedding, my wife lost her mother, Carol Geers, to a seven-year-long battle with breast cancer. Now my wife’s grandmother (Carol’s mother) faces the same battle. It is my hope that my wife and I can raise our children in a world without this terrible disease.”
Joe Henriques, Certified Financial Planner®
Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.
Still in search of a pink…cummerbund.
“In 2013, my mother, Mary Henriques, passed away from breast cancer. Not knowing how or why drives me to stand up to do something about it. I have devoted myself to the American Cancer Society, an organization that shares my passion to help end breast cancer. My hope is that we as a group smash nationwide records on raising funds and awareness.”
Steve Mancuso, Administrator, Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hometown: Palmyra
Still in search of a pink…speedo, as well as a pink accordion.
“I have chosen to be a ‘Real Man’ who wears pink because I want to see the world free of this terrible cancer. I am inspired by the generosity of my co-workers and friends. My hope is that this year’s first ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ event will help save lives.”
Robert Martin, Director of Public Safety
Hometown: Prospect Park
Still in search of pink…socks.
“I have a friend who has lost family members due to the disease. I’m looking forward to being part of this fundraiser because service to others is why we exist.”
Shaun McCoach, Associate Publisher for Central Penn Business Journal and Central Penn Parent Magazine
Hometown: Elizabethtown
Still in search of a pink…cape.
“I want to do what I can to help those battling breast cancer and hopefully help create a cancer-free world for my wife and daughters. I know every little bit counts, and my fellow candidates will be incredible motivators for me.”
Jordan Piscioneri, Realtor/General Manager of Century 21 Realty Services and Purity Abstract Co.
Hometown: Camp Hill
Still in search of a pink…pair of socks.
“Breast cancer affects so many people around us. Currently, one of our employees is going through her own struggle with breast cancer, and I see this as a way of showing my support. I’m looking forward to being part of this fundraiser because I now have an excuse to expand my wardrobe. Helping a great cause like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the American Cancer Society are pretty good reasons, too!”
Brant Woodward, Senior Vice President, American Cancer Society
Hometown: Elizabethtown
Still in search of a pink…baseball cap.
“Every day, I get to see the impact that the American Cancer Society is making on breast cancer and all other cancers. Harrisburg’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is an amazing event; in fact, one of the largest in the nation. It is an event and a cause that I’m fortunate to be able to support. This fundraiser is a new and exciting way to involve even more people in the fight against breast cancer.”
