8th annual Underwear Affair raises half a million dollars for the Alberta Cancer Foundation

2014 event draws over 800 participants to run, walk or complete challenges in downtown Calgary in support of breakthrough research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at The Tom Baker Cancer Centre and 16 other cancer centres across Alberta.

CALGARY, June 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The 8^th annual Underwear Affair announced over 800 participants raised over half a million dollars for the Alberta Cancer Foundation to support breakthrough research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at The Tom Baker Cancer Centre and 16 other cancer centres across Alberta.  Participants raced, walked and completed challenges through downtown Calgary wearing underwear and outrageous costumes to raise funds and drive awareness for cancers that occur below the belt.

"We extend our gratitude to all the incredible participants, volunteers and their extended networks of family and supporters for helping to make the 8^th annual Underwear Affair a success," said Myka Osinchuk, Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

"Every day, 43 Albertans hear the words, 'you have cancer.' These are our friends, our loved ones, and our neighbours. We act everyday on behalf of those Albertans, and the over half a million dollars raised will allow the Alberta Cancer Foundation to boldly invest in things that matter most to patients and their families - faster diagnoses, better treatments, an enhanced quality of life and improved outcomes," added Osinchuk.

The Underwear Affair took place at the Calgary Curling Club and participants chose to complete a chip-timed 10K race, 5K walk or series of challenges called "The Booty Hunt". Local residents gathered along the route at public cheer stations and the event wrapped up with an after-party, where participants enjoyed hot meals, beverages, music and an evening of dancing.

"My girlfriend Shannon and I have participated in the Underwear Affair for the past two years, but this year I will be representing the two of us as Shannon is battling stage four colorectal cancer," says Dan McNeil, from Calgary.

"The effect that cancer has on the patient and their families is something that we are all too familiar with. However, we also see and hear all of the progress that cancer research has made over the years and want to contribute to the fight against below-the-belt cancers to continue the hope of ending cancer," McNeil added.

In 8 years, The Underwear Affair in Calgary raised over $5.9 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and funds raised support advances of discovery and comprehensive clinical trials programs, to allow patients to be amongst the first to access new therapies and early screening programs.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation announced the 2015 event will be held on June 6^th and encourage everyone to register.

"We hope everyone in Alberta can join us for our 9^th Annual Underwear Affair next year in Calgary.  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 aims to improve the lives of Albertans facing cancer by boldly investing $120 million in cancer research, prevention and screening and enhanced care by 2017. Through this strategic approach, we will bring the newest discoveries and deliver results to Alberta's cancer patients faster. Visit http://albertacancer.ca

Media Photos From Today's Event: CLICK HERE

SOURCE: Alberta Cancer Foundation

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Hillary Dort
Communications Coordinator
[phone]
[email protected]