6TH Annual Underwear Affair Raises $803,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation

2012 event draws impressive 1,285 participants who raced and walked in their underwear and outrageous attire through downtown Calgary to raise funds for cancers that occur below the belt.

CALGARY, June 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, The Alberta Cancer Foundation's Underwear Affair announced that 1,285 participants raised $803,000 to fund research, treatment and care at The Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other cancer centres across Alberta for cancers that occur below the belt.

"The Underwear Affair has become a truly iconic fundraiser for the Foundation as we pursue our goal of a cancer-free future for all Albertans," said says Nick Locke, Vice President of Fund Development at the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

"We're absolutely thrilled and grateful for the support that Calgary and the surrounding communities have shown for this year's event. The $803,000 raised is already being put to use funding programs that ensure thousands of Albertans receive colorectal and cervical screenings through our 17 Alberta cancer centres," Locke added.

The 6^th Underwear Affair started and finished at Max Bell Arena, and consisted of a chip-timed 10K race or 5K walk through downtown Calgary before ending with a thrilling after party to celebrate this year's fundraising results.  Participants completed the courses clad in outrageous costumes, underwear and athletic attire as spectators along the route cheered them on.

"My father was diagnosed with colon cancer and within two weeks, he lost his life," says fifth-year participant Lori Vickerman from Calgary.

"The Underwear Affair is my chance to honour my father. I look forward to this event every year, as it's amazing to see the community come together and raise funds and awareness for a cause that is very close to my heart," Vickerman added.

"Cancers that occur below the belt such as such as prostate, colorectal, ovarian, testicular, bladder, cervical, and uterine lack adequate prevention and funding programs because they are deemed by many people as taboo or uncomfortable for discussion," says Dr. Nigel Brockton, Molecular Epidemiologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

"This results in fewer preliminary screenings and early diagnosis, yet over 30 percent of new cancer cases in Alberta specifically involve cancers which occur below the belt," Dr. Brockton added.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation also released the date for next year's event, which will be held June 1, 2013 in Calgary.  Participants applauded with excitement and began registering on site immediately after the announcement was made.

"We're aiming to make next year's Underwear Affair even bigger and better," says Locke.

"We personally invite everyone in Alberta to join us for our 7^th Annual Underwear Affair here in Calgary.  Register now at www.uncoverthecure.org or call [phone]," Locke added.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation is Alberta's own. It was established to advance cancer research province-wide and to directly support Alberta's 17 cancer centres, including the Cross Cancer Institute and Tom Baker Cancer Centre. At the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we believe a cancer-free future is both possible and inevitable. When we get there, depends on the focus and energy we put to it today.

Media Photos From Today's Event: CLICK HERE

Media Contact:
Ailish Steele, Communications Manager
[phone]
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