News Taffy

Men in Pink

It is funny how our minds get conditioned. When most of us see a pink ribbon we immediately think “breast cancer”. So, what does our brain click to when we see a group of men in pink tutu’s, “save the boobies” t-shirts, and in general, completely attired in pink ribbons? It must be the Guys for Girls 5 k run in Jonesboro! This was my first Guys for Girls event and I am impressed. I had heard rumors about the crazy socks and the men in tutus, but I am glad I did not miss seeing it LIVE! What I was not prepared for was the young men and boys who braved the “macho” imagine and donned pink for the women they love and loved.

I am including one young mans face who I snapped a picture of at the finish of his run. His face says it all. Tired, weary, and ready to rest. His battle to complete his task was only a small token of his understanding of the sacrifice and fight it takes to rage the war against breast cancer. So many faces and names. Everyone left scared in some way by breast cancer. Each finding their own way to show this understanding.

I was blessed to have two such young men join me on my “cheering” corner in Downtown Jonesboro. Thomas and William Selden. I met their mother, Doreen from KASU radio, through other community events in Jonesboro. I asked her if she would bring her family to help me and my mother at our corner to cheer the men on. I asked for their help, unaware that their family had been directly affected by breast cancer. I was worried that two young men might be hesitant to come out in the rain and wear the pink leis and feather boas I had brought to the race. I was worried for no reason. As we stood in the rain sorting through our pink gear, the boys informed me that they had a grandmother who had passed away from breast cancer. I was struck by their bravery; just to say the words out loud is difficult for most of us. But to share with me this private tragedy upon our first meeting showed that they understood better than I did, what this day was really all about.

I guess I am an outsider. I have only witnessed the toll breast cancer takes on a family. I watched my own daughters struggle with their grandmothers battle (my ex-mother in law), but I have not been directly affected by the women in my life. For this I am blessed.

So, as an outsider who has participated in many breast cancer awareness fundraisers, it took two young men to remind me why we show up on a rainy day at 7 am in the morning. Why men of all ages, young and old, put on tutu’s, pink socks, feather boas, and the alike.

It is important for funding the battle in reaching a cure. It is only slightly to laugh for a moment in the face of a devastating challenge. It is mostly about having a safe place to share. Honoring the women these men love. Remembering those that could not be there. To allow the men to stand up and say “I would sacrifice all I have” to show my love and prevent you from suffering. The men in pink and wearing tutu’s and lace, represents the giving of themselves, of who they are (not usually in pink), for the women they love.

This giving of themselves does not begin and end with the “Men in Pink”. It starts long before race day. The volunteers and corporate sponsors make it possible for these men and their families to have this special day. I am including a picture of the sign that lists all the corporate sponsors. I am sorry I do not have a list of the people who volunteered their time; but it is long. Thank you to each of you for making this possible. I would also like to thank my company for all their support. The management and owners of Gregg Langford Bookout Funeral Home. Their support of my Community Ambassador work has given my an opportunity to experience incredible events like the “Guys for Girls”. Through this community project they began, my life has been enriched beyond what I can put into words.

Please support our local businesses that sponsor charitable events like this one throughout our community. When you see that man at the gas station wearing a pink t-shirt; read the sponsors names on the back! These companies keep our community strong and help create caring young men like the ones running and cheering at 7 am on a Saturday in the rain!