Eugene men run for breast cancer awareness

Eugene men run for breast cancer awareness Eugene men run for breast cancer awareness On Sept. 27, Dorris Ranch Park held a 5K with Men Wear Pink, an organization that helps bring in funds and awareness for fighting against breast cancer. Gray Vanderpoel, Arts and Culture Writer October 14, 2026 Katie Poluyansky Participants sit on the steps outside of Autzen Stadium at the “Power of Pink” walk on Oct. 4, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. The “Power of Pink” walk, hosted by American Cancer Society and Men Wear Pink included approximately 100 participants walking around Autzen Stadium to promote breast cancer awareness. (Katie Poluyansky/Emerald) The fight against breast cancer is a long and necessary one. Many organizations make it their mission to raise money and support those affected by cancer in an effort to spread awareness — Men Wear Pink is one of those communities.  Men Wear Pink is a campaign designed to organize events that raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society, a nationwide health organization meant to treat and help with the fight of cancer.  Men Wear Pink is an all-male organization, focused on raising funds for breast cancer while spreading the message about the effects of breast cancer. On Sept. 27, at Dorris Ranch Park, Men Wear Pink had a 5K run called “Real Men Wear Pink” where anyone could participate and help the American Cancer Society raise funds.  Brian Alfano, a sixth-year ambassador for Men Wear Pink, was introduced to this organization by a friend, around the same time his wife’s best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer.  “There isn’t enough awareness — not only for breast cancer but for cancer itself,” Alfano said. “Allowing people a chance to see the importance of screenings and how that can have an impact on individuals and families is effective. We need to have more research, and that allows us to make better treatments.” Matt McCarl, a first-year ambassador, was the one who came up with the idea for the 5K in Dorris Ranch Park. He had watched Men Wear Pink events for a while before suggesting the 5K in hopes that the men of Lane County could help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.  Participants cross the street at the “Power of Pink” walk on Oct. 4, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. The “Power of Pink” walk, hosted by American Cancer Society and Men Wear Pink included approximately 100 participants walking around Autzen Stadium to promote breast cancer awareness. (Katie Poluyansky/Emerald) (Katie Poluyansky) “Cancer touches everybody,” McCarl said. “There’s not too many people in the world that don’t know somebody, aren’t related to somebody, or themselves haven’t been affected by cancer. I’ve had it, and my wife has had cancer four times.” By attending the 5K, people helped fundraise for the American Cancer Society and distributed resources to spread more information about cancer. “The funds help not only try to find a cure or a way to help folks combat cancer,” McCarl said. “But it also helps the funds be available for the American Cancer Society to help people, help give relief to folks that are going through cancer.” As a full-time volunteer firefighter, McCarl found a purpose and passion for helping his community at a young age; he hopes that other young men will find that same passion for volunteering and making a positive impact by participating in Men Wear Pink events.  “The earlier people get involved with a community or group, whether through volunteering or just bringing awareness,” McCarl said. “The more rewarding they will find that it is. Myself, I started volunteering when I was 22 years old, and I found it very rewarding to be a volunteer in my local community for the last 37 years.” Alfano also sees a major importance in young men at the UO helping Men Wear Pink, as one of his male college friends from the University recently had breast cancer. He thinks every man at the UO should know about the reality of breast cancer, not only for women but for themselves.  “One of my fellow firefighters at the station I’m a part of just found out a couple of weeks ago that he has cancer himself,” McCarl said.  Alfano believes that if young men at UO participate in a community-helping event, some might discover passions they didn’t know they had. “You can learn about different issues that impact their community. I think it makes them stronger and allows them to develop what they’re passionate about,” Alfano said.  Men Wear Pink has a string of events in Lane County that students can participate in. Many surrounding restaurants have “pink” menu items, where part of the purchase goes to Men Wear Pink and their efforts in fighting cancer.  Men Wear Pink makes it easy to support and help, even if it’s attending the 5K or simply buying a meal. Any student can participate in making a positive difference in their community.  “Find a way to support,” McCarl said. “Even if it’s just talking to somebody about the American Cancer Society, about breast cancer awareness, early detection and just helping get the word out there to people that may not know, ’cause every little bit helps in support.” View Story Comments 0 Like This Story Share on Facebook Share on X Email this Story Print this Story Leave a Comment More to Discover More in arts-culture First annual Im(Perfect) food faceoff tackles food waste Rooster’s Blues Jams continues to bring Eugene musicians together ‘The Encore’ no one cheered for: a review of Taylor Swift’s deluxe album Photo Story: First Murdock International Piano Competition held at UO's Beall Concert Hall Don’t let ‘Adults’ fall victim to premature cancellation A conversation with multimedia artist MASSI More in events Photos: QuackHacks 3.0, the University of Oregon's 24-hour Hackathon Tenth Annual ‘Kidz Rock’ festival concludes in Cottage Grove Touch grass, pet goats, heal the soul Ducks take flight in Red Bull Chariot Race The group bringing Bollywood dance to campus Blooming blossoms lie on the path ahead About the Contributor Katie Poluyansky, Photographer Katie is a photojournalist for Daily Emerald and on her first year on photo desk. To see more of her work follow her on instagram (@katiepoluyanskymedia) or view her website katiepoluyanskymedia.myportfolio.com