7th annual Underwear Affair in Edmonton raises over $625,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation

2013 event draws 1,100 participants to race, walk or complete challenges through downtown Edmonton wearing underwear and outrageous attire in support of breakthrough research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at the Cross Cancer Institute and 16 other cancer centres in Alberta.

EDMONTON, June 15, 2013 /CNW/ - The 7^th annual Underwear Affair announced 1,100 participants raised over $625,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation to support breakthrough research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at the Cross Cancer Institute and 16 other cancer centres in Alberta.  Participants raced, walked and completed challenges through downtown Edmonton wearing underwear and outrageous costumes to generate funds and drive awareness for cancers that occur below the belt.

"33% of diagnosed cancers in Alberta are those which occur below-the-waist which are prostate, colorectal, ovarian, testicular, bladder, cervical, and uterine cancers," said Myka Osinchuk, Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

"Our mission at the Alberta Cancer Foundation is a cancer-free future for all Albertans, and we are grateful to all Albertans who helped make our seventh annual Underwear Affair a success here in Edmonton.  The $625,000 raised is helping to fund critical programs at 17 cancer centres in Alberta to ensure thousands of people have access to colorectal and cervical screenings," added Osinchuk.

The event started and finished at the Butterdome and participants chose to complete a chip-timed 10K race, 5K walk or series of challenges called "The Booty Hunt."  The event took place through downtown Edmonton, and local residents gathered along the route to support race participants.  The event concluded with a thrilling after-party at the Butterdome where participants enjoyed hot meals, beverages, music and dancing.

"After having known for over a year that something was wrong, I finally went to get a colonoscopy," said Myles Schopf, a second year participant from Edmonton. 

"The prognosis was that I had stage 3 colon cancer and was then rushed to surgery to perform an emergency colostomy.  I then began chemotherapy, radiation, and underwent an additional surgery. I simply cannot express in words how fortunate I am to have a support group as fine as the one I have.  The Underwear Affair is a way for me to say thank you to everyone involved in this journey and drive awareness on the importance of early detection so this hopefully will not happen to others," added Schopf.

In 7 years, The Underwear Affair in Edmonton raised over $5 million for The Alberta Cancer Foundation, and funds raised support vital research, treatment, care and early screening programs across the province.

Osinchuk says most of the common cancers that occur below the waist have effective early detection tests, but there are a range of other cancers which do not have adequate testing for early diagnosis.

"Early detection is pivotal for helping to ensure a better outcome, however many people put off the early screening tests, or don't make them a priority.  The Underwear Affair is great because the event raises vital funds while generating discussions on the importance and need for early detection and annual screenings," Osinchuk added.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation announced the 2014 event will be held on June 14^th and encouraged participants to register and begin fundraising as soon as possible.

"We hope everyone in Alberta will join us for our 8^th Annual Underwear Affair next year in Edmonton.  Register now at www.uncoverthecure.org or call [phone]," added Osinchuk.

To register, donate or receive information about the 2014 Underwear Affair, visit www.uncoverthecure.org or call [phone]

ABOUT THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION:  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. Visit http://albertacancer.ca/.

Media Photos From Today's Event: CLICK HERE

SOURCE: Alberta Cancer Foundation

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Lauren Scott, Communications Manager
[phone]
[email protected]