–
On July 10, 2010, over 925 British Columbians dressed in underwear and other brief costumes walked and ran in the streets of Vancouver to raise funds and awareness for cancers below the waist. The BC Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair, presented by Mark’s Work Wearhouse, raised $552,500 for research on prostate, colorectal, uterine, and ovarian cancers, among others, which together account for 42 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers in B.C.
The colourful 10K run/5K walk wrapped up at Seaforth Armoury with the EXPOsed afterparty, emceed by media personality and man about town Fred Lee, where walkers and runners danced and partied well into the night. Participants and their guests also took part in an extravagant costume contest. “I am taking part in this event because I recently lost my father to colorectal cancer and want to raise awareness and funds for this important cause,” said participant Taralyn McEachern. “The Underwear Affair is such a fun event to be a part of, and I know that by running in my underwear, I am doing what I can to help find a cure for below-the-waist cancers in B.C.”
BC Cancer Agency oncologist Dr. Sharlene Gill spoke about how funds raised through the event have benefited cancer patients in B.C.: “Studies supported by the Underwear Affair have examined the delivery of health services and have evaluated how we can improve patient outcomes. Underwear Affair funding has also supported biomarker studies to help identify factors that allow us to predict a patient’s response to new therapies. In all these areas, the Underwear Affair is making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.”
Douglas Nelson, President & CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation, said, “A big thank-you to the more than 925 participants. Everyone has done a fantastic job raising funds that are crucial for improving cancer research and treatment for these cancers in the future. We are extremely grateful to the community for the overwhelming support we’ve received in our fifth year of this event. I encourage more people to join us for the BC Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair in 2011 by visiting www.uncoverthecure.org and registering today.”
Proceeds from the Underwear Affair presented by Mark’s Work Wearhouse will benefit the BC Cancer Foundation. This independent charitable organization raises funds for research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.