Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2020

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GULF COAST MEN
Take Stand in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
story and photo courtesy of
the American Cancer Society, South Region
In its fth year, the American Cancer Society’s 2020 Real Men Wear Pink campaign is kicking o with 29 outstanding ambassadors as well as a chairperson who is ghting for more than the mission of ending cancer but ghting for memories after loss.
Stormi Knippers, daughter of the late Kipp Greggory, is leaning on the memories of her father’s passion as a former ambassador to fuel the ght against breast cancer on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In fact, many of
this year’s ambassadors became involved in honor of Kipp’s legacy.
This unique platform
empowers male
community leaders who are charged with raising awareness and funds throughout the month
of October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“This outstanding group of men have heard and answered the call,” said Knippers. “We asked
for dedicated men who
are ready to take a stand
against breast cancer, and
these men are doing just that. I knew from the beginning we had a unique group, and that they would do great things. My expectations have already been surpassed, and our 2020 class of ambassadors are ready and willing to help the ght against breast cancer.”
Real Men Wear Pink of the Mississippi Gulf Coast began in 2016 with 20 ambassadors,
growing in number year after year. Last year’s group, led by top-fundraiser Kipp Greggory, raised over $94,000. This year’s ambassadors are joining forces in hopes of raising $150,000.
The global pandemic of COVID-19 continues to have a serious impact on many
people, including cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. The fact is that cancer does not stop, and neither does the American Cancer Society.
“For the rst time in our history, the American Cancer Society’s research budget is in jeopardy,” said LaWanda Jones, community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “Deep cuts in our research funding could mean a generation of cancer research lost, including breast cancer research. For cancer patients, this may dramatically
alter the availability of lifesaving treatments. Support from the community for campaigns like this can help us overcome this crisis and move forward in this ght.”
For more information about Real Men Wear Pink of the Mississippi Gulf Coast or to support an ambassador, visit www.realmenwearpinkacs.org/gulfcoastMS.
Stormi Knippers and her father Kipp Greggory
Gary Barton
Mitch Bauman Jeremiah Blackwell, Jr. Brian Keith Brown Turner Colvin
Keith Davis
Shea Dobson
Wes Dunn
Leland C. Dunning Jeremy England
Kevin W. Felsher
Brian Gerych
Kenny Glavan
Andrew Hinkebein Mayor Billy Hewes Scott Holden
John L. McCarty, III Christopher Montgomery Je O’Keefe, Jr.
John Russell O’neal Jonathan Pace
Randy Richardson David Sabbatini Douglas Sellers
Mayor Mike Smith Laurin St. Pe’
Steve Picard
Jim Tabor
Kiowa Walley
2020 Real Men Wear Pink Ambassadors