8th annual Underwear Affair raises over $400,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation
2014 event draws over 700 participants to run, walk or complete challenges in downtown Edmonton in support of breakthrough research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at the Cross Cancer Institute and 16 other cancer centres across Alberta.
EDMONTON, June 14, 2014 /CNW/ - The 8th annual Underwear Affair announced over 700 participants raised over $400,000 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 across Alberta. Participants raced, walked and completed challenges through downtown Edmonton 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 8th annual Underwear Affair a tremendous 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 $400,000 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 University of Alberta Butterdome 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.
"In 2013, two weeks after he turned 20-years-old, our son Braden was diagnosed with testicular cancer," said third-year participant Joanne Panasiuk, from Edmonton.
"After two surgeries and three rounds of chemotherapy, Braden was declared cancer-free in January 2014. This experience taught our family that cancer can affect anyone at anytime. To help ensure that other families do not have to go through what ours did, we have come together to run in the Underwear Affair. Braden was treated at the Cross Cancer Institute and we are so grateful for the amazing medical team there who are doing all they can to fight this horrible disease," Panasiuk added.
In 8 years, The Underwear Affair events in Edmonton and Calgary, combined have raised over $11.3 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation announced the 2015 event will be held on June 20th and encourage all Albertans to register.
"We hope everyone in Alberta can join us for our 9th Annual Underwear Affair next year in Edmonton. Register now at www.uncoverthecure.org or call (780) 423-2220," added Osinchuk.
To register, donate or receive information about the 2015 Underwear Affair, visit www.uncoverthecure.org or call (780) 423-2220.
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
(877) 500-7551
[email protected]
Share this article