Evergreen Doctor Lends Support to Komen’s Pink Tie Guy Program

Seven Puget Sound community leaders are putting on their pink ties as advocates for breast cancer awareness and year-round action to promote breast health, as part of Komen Puget Sound’s Pink Tie Guy program.

This year’s class of Pink Tie Guys was announced Oct. 24 in Seattle at the 10th Anniversary Komen Puget Sound "Power of a Promise" lunch.

The "guys" were welcomed by Mercer Island resident Dr. Michael Hunter, medical director of EvergreenHealth Medical Center's cancer program and a Komen Puget Sound Medical Advisory Committee and Board Member.

"Breast cancer touches everyone, men included," he said. "I know, because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. And I also came to know personally the importance of early detection. My mother’s breast cancer was detected early and today she is a five-year breast cancer survivor."

The Power of a Promise lunch attracted 450 participants who donated over $218,000 to help save lives locally and support global research to cure breast cancer. This is the largest Power of a Promise lunch donation total in the history of the affiliate. 75% of Komen Puget Sound’s net revenue is invested into breast cancer education, early detection and patient assistance programs in the Puget Sound region. 25% goes straight to funding global research to prevent, treat and ultimately find a cure for breast cancer.

"Komen Puget Sound launched the Pink Tie Guy program last year to strengthen the male voice in the breast cancer movement," Dr. Hunter said. "I am proud to be a Ko-man myself, and I am particularly proud of our Pink Tie Guys. These key community leaders have made a real difference in our fight to end breast cancer."

Here's the seven 2012-2013 "Pink Tie Guys":

• Eric Booker; Director of Player Development and Community Relations, Snoqualmie Casino
• Servando Carrasco; Midfielder, Seattle Sounders FC
• Enrique Cerna; KCTS 9 Executive Producer and Host of KCTS Connects
• Evan Moore; Tight End, Seattle Seahawks
• Trong Pham; Vice President, Financial Advisor and Portfolio Manager with Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney
• Bob Santos; retired Executive Director of Inter*Im and longstanding International District Community Activist
• Yale Wong, Founder and CEO of General Biodiesel

“While breast cancer is typically diagnosed in women, men are significantly affected when this disease impacts their wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and other loved ones. These key community leaders will help us bring awareness about early detection and the fight to end breast cancer. Their personal stories and commitment to the Komen Pink Tie Guy program is inspiring and we are grateful for their support,” said Executive Director Cheryl Shaw.

In addition to the Pink Tie Guys, the lunch featured breast cancer advocate Susan Ford Bales. Bales is the daughter of the late President and Betty Ford, who with her mother helped establish National Breast Cancer Awareness month.