Across north Alabama, 26 men are raising money for breast cancer research in a targeted efffort, and Joshua Bracken of Pilgrim’s Pride is representing Franklin County is the campaign.

Bracken will spend the month of October dressed in pink while fundraising through social media for the American Cancer Society.

“Having watched multiple family members battle the disease that has no boundaries and some losing their battle, I want to do all I can to help eradicate cancer,” Bracken said.

Bracken said he became involved with the effort becoming educated through volunteering with the American Cancer Society. Once he saw how COVID-19 was expected to put cancer research behind by almost a decade, he knew he wanted to do everything he could to help with fundraising.

“Many business and organizations have felt the negative impact of COVID, but the fact that statistics show this could set cancer research back a generation is worrisome beyond description,” Bracken said. “Knowing this and having knowledge of my family history, I look at my nieces, nephews and young cousins and fear for them.”

ACS Senior Community Development Manager Anna Duncan said the men working on this effort are spread across the state, with each having a goal of raising $2,500.

Fundraising began in September, and Duncan said the group of men have already raised $20,000 of their $50,000 goal.

“It is just a great way to see them come together,” Duncan said. “Especially through social media, everyone has been able to really help bring awareness to this cause.”

Fundraising will continue throughout October, with each man participating wearing pink with pride.

“Now more than ever is the time for us to unite financially and in general support of one another and face this beast head on,” Bracken said. “We cannot and will not let it win.”