7th Annual Underwear Affair Raises $633,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation

2012 event draws 1035 participants to race or walk in underwear and outrageous attire through downtown Vancouver and raises funds to address cancers that occur "below the belt."

VANCOUVER, July 7, 2012 /CNW/ - The BC Cancer Foundation's Underwear Affair announced 1035 participants raised $633,000 to fund breakthrough research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency for cancer cases that occur "below the belt."

"We are absolutely thrilled with the support and engagement of British Columbians who chose to take part in the Underwear Affair this year," says Douglas Nelson, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation.

"48 percent of newly diagnosed cancer cases in B.C are those which occur below the waist. The $633,000 raised in this year's Underwear Affair will support groundbreaking research discoveries to help us improve outcomes for British Columbia cancer patients and help us achieve a world free from cancer," Nelson added.

The 7^th Underwear Affair started and finished next to Rogers Arena, and consisted of a chip-timed 10 km race or 5 km walk through downtown Vancouver 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. 

"I was diagnosed with in-situ cervical cancer in my 20s and my sister survived Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma," says fourth-year participant and top fundraiser Brynn Logan from Nanaimo.

"For me, The Underwear Affair is an opportunity to raise funds for research, and break the taboos that comes along with these cancers. I look forward to this event every year, as it gives me this incredible feeling of community, supporting a great cause while having a lot of fun," Logan added.

"The range of cancers that can develop below the waist is broad and the more public awareness that's out there, the greater the opportunity we have to positively impact early detection and the research we conduct on these diseases," says Dr. Hagen Kennecke, a medical oncologist and current Chair of the Provincial Gastrointestinal Tumour Group at the BC Cancer Agency.

"The Underwear Affair not only raises funds for research of cancers below-the-belt, but it also builds awareness among British Columbians about these diseases," Dr. Kennecke added.

The BC Cancer Foundation also released the date for next year's event, which will be held July 6, 2013.  Participants applauded with excitement and began registering on site immediately after the announcement was made.

"We're determined to make next year's Underwear Affair even bigger and better. We invite everyone to register now at www.uncoverthecure.org or call [phone]," says Nelson.

About The BC Cancer Foundation
The BC Cancer Foundation (www.bccancerfoundation.com) is the bridge that connects philanthropic support and research breakthroughs in cancer knowledge. As the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency and the largest charitable funder of cancer research in this province, we enable donors to make contributions to leading-edge research that has a direct impact on improvements to cancer care for patients in British Columbia. We fund with the goal of finding solutions. As an independent charitable organization, we raise funds exclusively for the BC Cancer Agency that support innovative cancer research and compassionate enhancements to patient care.

About The BC Cancer Agency
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.ca 

Media Photos From Today's Event: CLICK HERE

Media contact:
Borjana Slipicevic, Western PR Coordinator
778.233.9255, [email protected]