Why Real Men Wear Pink

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Nine local men are supporting the American Cancer Society (ACS) through participation in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign throughout October.

The Real Men Wear Pink activity is a fundraiser in the ACS’s efforts against breast cancer.

Below are short profiles of several area men taking part in Real Men Wear Pink. The men answered emailed questions, providing glimpses into their personal biographies, how cancer has impacted them and their loved ones, what pink clothes or accessories we can expect to see them wearing in October, and what’s the best way to donate toward their part in the fundraiser.

Rick Stanforth

“I was raised on our family farm with my brother John and two sisters, Sylvia and Janie. Family farms in that era were hard work that required the whole family to help. Though my brother and I always found time to play.

My wife Linda and I graduated from Wilmington High School.

We have three children, Heather, Kelly and Wes. Heather and her husband Steve have two daughters, and Kelly and her husband Scott have two daughters and a son for our total of five grandchildren. Heather’s family resides in Blue Ash, Ohio. Kelly’s family lives in Servana Park, Maryland, while Wes is living in northern California.

My degree was in Agronomy/Horticulture. I had the opportunity to work in both the private and public sectors, working mostly in management with an opportunity to utilize my technical skills. I also had the pleasure of service as a County Commissioner.

I retired a few years ago while Linda retired in 2015. We have spent the time traveling to have long visits with our children.

My mother died of cancer in 1963 at the age of 44. I was 13. My sister, Sylvia, had many medical complications, but finally succumbed to cancer.

My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 1999. After that battle, which she won, we have been active in support of the battle to defeat breast cancer. At first, our support was to help friends who were dealing with the dreaded news of cancer, and later connecting with students who were dealing with family members who were battling cancer.

You will see me in PINK. I will be the bicycle rider with Pink Socks, the pink band around my wrist will be there for the duration of the campaign and, of course, you will see me in the Pink Bow Tie in the evenings around town.

The easiest way to donate is by utilizing my website at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/RickStanforth . Just tap on the DONATE button to make your contribution, and together we can defeat cancer. Of course I would be glad to accept cash and checks made out to the American Cancer Society; I would be glad to drop those contributions to Carrie Powell.”

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Randy Riley

“I was born in Dayton in October 1950, just weeks before the Thanksgiving Blizzard. Mom told me that I came in with a storm and created storms throughout my teenaged years. I was the second child. My older sister was the “perfect child.” I was much, much more of a challenge for Mom and Dad. After all, it was the ’60s.

My younger brother and sister have both thanked me for conditioning our parents to expect … well, the unexpected. I wasn’t a bad kid. It’s just that I wasn’t afraid to do or try anything.

Debbie and I have five children — four boys and one girl. Our son Danny took his own life a little over 10 years ago. We will never get over that. The love and support of family, church and friends got us through that tragedy.

We are now blessed with eight grandchildren — six girls and two boys. They bring joy into our lives every day.

I spent my entire professional career as a Respiratory Therapist, retiring in January of 2003 as the director of Respiratory Care, EMS and Trauma Services at CMH. It was an exciting, fulfilling career. After retirement, I became a county commissioner, then the mayor of Wilmington and now the President of Wilmington City Council.

Debbie and I are both almost (not quite) completely retired; we love to travel. We recently drove to Canada and circled Lake Superior. That was great fun. We are also committed to spoiling our grandchildren as much as our own children will allow.

In early 1977, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. The cancer had progressed to the point where, according to the medical textbooks of the day, I probably had less than a 50/50 chance of a five-year survival. That changed my priorities and my entire life.

My mother is also a cancer survivor. Mom and I walked together in the Survivor Lap of Relay for Life almost 20 years ago. Last year at Relay for Life, I carried my 2-year-old grandson in the Survivor’s Lap. Clayton still wore bandages where his right eye had been. He was diagnosed with retinoblastoma — cancer that grows within a child’s eye. It can cause blindness; even death. Both Mom and Clayton are doing well today. We know we have been blessed.

Unfortunately, we have also lost family members and friends to cancer — cancer of all forms. I’m convinced that when we find a cure for breast cancer, scientists will be able to use that discovery to find more cures. Someday, all cancer will be a memory.

Besides pink socks, I will be wearing a pink wrist band every day until the end of October. I have also ordered a couple of pink shirts. A pink tie is definitely in my future. Keep an eye on my Facebook account to see where my pink socks are taking me.

I can definitely be reached by cash, check or money order. Anything and everything I receive will go directly to the American Cancer Society. The easiest way to donate is to go to the donation website — http://main.acsevents.org/goto/RandyRiley .

I appreciate all the support I have been receiving, but support alone will not find a cure for breast cancer. That will take money. Please, donate to help save lives from breast cancer.”

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Jack Powell

“I was born and raised in Trotwood, Ohio with my parents, two brothers and two sisters. We were all actively involved in sports and other school-related activities.

Barb and I have three great children, Andy, Jennifer and Audrey, and three even greater grandchildren, Brayden, Ava and Owen. I have been a banker for 32 years, and enjoy flying a Piper Malibu Mirage in my free time.

Cancer has affected our family in many ways. Our son was named after our dear friend, Andrew Hill, who died at the age of 28 from complications related to melanoma. My father-in-law, Chester Monson, died from complications related to leukemia. My mother-in-law, Audrey Monson, died from complications from multiple myeloma. My father, Robert Powell, died from complications from a cancerous brain tumor. Other family members are survivors of cancer. We are all impacted.

My new wardrobe includes a new pink polo shirt, a new pink dress shirt, pink socks, a pink tie and a pink American Cancer Society pin. I hope to sport a pink hairdo if I reach my goal of raising $5,000.

Donations can be made to my personal Real Men Wear Pink page: http://bit.ly/2dtBSUJ”

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John Luttrell

“I grew up and still live on the family farm in Wayne Township, Clinton County. We were a farm family — five boys, I’m second in line! We worked together on the farm from the time I can remember — we learned how to work!

I graduated from the East Clinton School System and did some post-high school work at The Ohio State University along with Wilmington College and Southern State. I am currently a vice president at SFM Insurance, and have been with the company for 28 years. I also still help in the busy times on the farm.

I have been married to Amy Vance Luttrell for 30 years, and we have three children and will have our first grandchild in November! I am active in the Wilmington Church of Christ and also assist with the East Clinton musical in the spring. Free time is geared around our kids since one is in St. Louis and one is in Chicago!

My mother-in-law has fought breast cancer and continues to win! I can see through her how important the “correct” attitude is in the fight against cancer. Our family has been fortunate in that we have not been impacted greatly by cancer. But we know many others who have and continue to struggle with the effects of cancer.

Pink is NOT my choice of colors, but I will make it my choice to help with this battle! The pink socks have made a big statement when I wore them while part of our Praise Team at church (they show up quite well while playing the piano!). A pink tie is on the way along with pink polos — I’m pretty sure I’m not going with any pink shoes!

Donations on the website are the best, but I am more than willing to help find other ways if someone wants to help. The website is: http://bit.ly/2e683Lm”

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Bob Hixson

“I was born and raised in Hillsboro. I graduated from Hillsboro High School and joined the Air Force 10 days later. I retired from the Air Force in 2012 and moved back to Hillsboro and currently am an academic advisor and veteran representative at Southern State Community College.

I have a son, Keagin, who is 19 and currently attending SSCC. In my free time, I like watching college football and visiting amusement parks.

Cancer hit our family in May 2011 when my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. He lost his battle on Dec 7, 2011. I have had other family diagnosed with different types of cancers, as well as military friends and colleagues at SSCC.

I have bought numerous pink shirts to wear, Real Men Wear Pink rubber bracelets, lapel pin, socks, and ties.

The best way to donate and help make strides against breast cancer would be the website: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/BobHixson”

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James “Jim” Evans

“I was raised on a farm in Pickaway County. I graduated from Ohio State University with an Agricultural Economics degree. I moved to Highland County in 1983 with my wife Emily where we raised our three now-grown children and currently have six grandchildren.

I have worked at Merchants National Bank since 1987, and am currently the President and on the Board of Directors. One of the benefits of working for a community bank is our high level of involvement and support for our local economy and organizations. I am proud of the fact that Merchants Bank is always one of the top fundraisers in our American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

As most people, I have had cancer touch my life, losing my father and a sister-in-law to the disease. I have seen great strides in several of the cancer treatments, and have become a real believer in early detection and education that is provided by the American Cancer Society.

I agreed to participate in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign to not only raise money, but to get the reminder out on the importance of regular cancer screenings such as breast exams for women and prostrate exams for men. I think all of us know someone who has been successful in fighting their cancer and sadly, those who have lost their fight due to it not being detected early enough.

So I do ask for your donations, but plan on providing information on what resources and plans of action each of us can take toward preventing or treating this disease.

During this campaign we are to wear pink every day as a reminder. I currently do not own any pink clothing! Between my wife and the ladies at the bank, I believe I will have a sufficient wardrobe for the 31 days of October. I am not sure about a pink bow tie, although they have served Charles Osgood well on Sunday mornings.

I ask for your support in this fight against breast cancer and if you would like to make a donation to my efforts, you can make a check out and mail to Merchants National Bank, P.O. Box 10, Hillsboro, OH 45133. You can also drop off at any Merchants National Bank branch. Checks should be made payable to: ACS Real Men Wear Pink.”

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In addition to the above men, Real Men Wear Pink area participants include Mark Bush of Bush Auto Place in Wilmington, Wilmington Church of Christ minister Dale McCamish, and Josh Pohlman at Hillsboro High School.

Rick Stanforth
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/10/web1_r_stanforth_p_f.jpgRick Stanforth

Randy Riley
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/10/web1_Randy_in_Pink_p_f.jpgRandy Riley

Jack Powell
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/10/web1_Powell_f.jpgJack Powell

John Luttrell
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/10/web1_luttrell_p_f.jpgJohn Luttrell

Jim Evans
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/10/web1_Jim_Evans_p_f.jpgJim Evans
Men share stories behind their pink garb

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