Hoover resident to participate in Real Men Wear Pink campaign

Breast cancer awareness month has a special meaning for Thomas Dudney. His wife is a five-year survivor of breast cancer.

“It’s one thing to support it … but when you experience it firsthand it takes on a different meaning,” he said.

Dudney, a Hoover resident and dentist at Alabaster Aesthetic Dentistry, is one of 25 participants in the American Cancer Society’s local Real Men Wear Pink campaign. This is his first year participating, which he said was inspired by his wife’s strength through the surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation that breast cancer requires.

“Anything I do is minor,” Dudney said. “But every little bit helps.”

As part of Real Men Wear Pink, Dudney will be required to wear pink clothing daily throughout October. Pink is a less common color for men’s clothing, but Dudney said he likes it.

“I think it’s a great color and I don’t mind at all,” he said.

He will also be responsible for raising at least $2,500 for the American Cancer Society, which Dudney said he hopes to raise through involvement of family, friends and patients.

“Everybody’s been touched one way or another,” Dudney said.

The campaign kicked off on Sept. 28 and will wrap up on Oct. 26 with a party recognizing the Pink Man of the Year, who raises the most money. Donate to Dudney’s campaign or learn more about the Real Men Wear Pink participants at realmenbham.com.