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Author: Jonathan Marsh

Participating in the Men Wear Pink Fashion Show on September 14, 2024, by walking the runway was a great honor. The event took place at the Mall at University Town Center (UTC) in Sarasota. The event was full of energy and was more than just a fashion statement. Men Wear Pink Fashion Show was a powerful step in the fight against breast cancer, a cause I’m truly passionate about.

Cancer has touched my life and the lives of my loved ones in profound ways. I lost my grandfather to liver cancer and my uncle to leukemia. I also saw three of my grandfather's sisters fight breast cancer, and only one survived.

This is a deeply personal cause for me. My involvement in the Men Wear Pink campaign gives me the chance to make a real difference in our community.

A Night of High Energy and High Impact

The fashion show had an electric atmosphere. The room buzzed with excitement and unity as ambassadors like me walked the runway in pink, all to raise funds for breast cancer research. Over the last decade, ambassadors nationwide have raised over $50 million for lifesaving research.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches in October, Men Wear Pink of Sarasota-Manatee has set a fundraising goal. They aim to raise $250,000 this year to support the cause.

When attendees purchased tickets, they participated in an evening filled with fashion and entertainment. They also directly supported their favorite ambassador’s fundraising for the Men Wear Pink campaign. The event was a night to remember and one that brought our community together for a shared cause.

Why I Wear Pink

Breast cancer awareness, supporting breast cancer survivors, and research are causes close to my heart. Having seen the impact of cancer deaths in my own family, I am committed to supporting breast cancer research. Many family and friends have faced different types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma, making this cause deeply personal. My grandfather's losing fight with primary liver cancer also motivated me to take action.

My family’s experience with cancer has shown me how crucial it is for a community to unite. Supporting those facing a breast cancer diagnosis and spreading awareness about early detection makes a real difference.

For nearly ten years, my home care agency has delivered in-home care, and I have always looked for ways to support my community. Becoming a Men Wear Pink ambassador has given me the chance to do that and to increase awareness and funds for breast cancer research. This offers a meaningful way for me to support this cause.

This is about more than short-term fundraising; we are working toward long-term solutions to end breast cancer. Last year, I organized two major events for a local non-profit that supports breast cancer warriors. This experience made me realize how passionate I am about this cause.

This year, participating in the fashion show was a fun, lighthearted way to shine a spotlight on a serious issue. I was also thrilled to wear elegant pink attire as part of the event.

Ensuring patients have access to the most effective treatment options is a key role of the American Cancer Society. Organizations like Susan G. Komen have also significantly improved breast cancer research and treatment.

The Road Ahead

The Men Wear Pink campaign focuses on more than fundraising; it aims to raise awareness, create a support network, and inspire hope. We are reaching out to potential donors and volunteers who want to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

As we work toward our fundraising goal, I’m deeply grateful for everyone who has supported me and this cause. Your support, whether through buying tickets, donating, or sharing the cause, truly helps those diagnosed by breast cancer. By raising funds, we aim to support research into the risk factors that contribute to breast cancer. Your contribution could help researchers develop treatments that specifically target and destroy cancer cells.

Let's maintain the drive toward our goals. Together, we can reach our goal and help fund critical research, patient support, and advocacy efforts. Thank you to everyone who has joined me on this journey.

Our fundraising campaign isn’t over—there’s still time to contribute and help us reach our goal. Every donation amount supports our fundraising efforts and helps us reach our $250,000 goal for the American Cancer Society.

For opportunities to donate or participate, feel free to reach out to me. You can also visit my personal Men Wear Pink of Sarasota-Manatee webpage. You can also donate directly using the QR code below and help us continue the fight against breast cancer.

#MenWearPink #FashionShow #PinkTogether