FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Ray brothers compete in pink to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this year, the Ray brothers decided to do it big.

Colin and Tucker Ray of aptly named Ray Brothers BBQ in hamilton are going head- to- head in a friendly competition to raise money and awareness to fight against breast cancer, a disease the American Cancer Society says will affect 1 in 8 women in their lifetime.

The brothers are partnering with the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign to reach their goal of raising $ 5,000—$ 2,500 each. Each week, Colin and Tucker will sport their own best dressed- in- pink outfits for the public to vote on “who wore it better” via donation dollars. The brother who ends up rais-

"Anything helps! From the smallest donations that you can spare, to a smile and a hug for someone that is struggling, let’s do our part to help all inneed.” — Colin Ray

ing the most money by the end of the campaign is the winner and will do something “epic” in the name of breast cancer awareness and research, according to their social media post.

Both brothers say they have felt the effects of cancer on their own family and friends one toomany times.

“We lost our father a few years ago to cancer. Watching the ravaging effects that cancer has on someone towards the end is something no one should ever have to deal with. If by any of our actions we are able to help someone else not have to suffer alongside their family members, it is the least we can do,” the brothers said.

On Oct. 1, the brothers posted their first outfit- battle via a video on the restaurant’s social media pages. The two can be seen comically sporting their dressed- in- pink looks at the serene waterfront at Colgate University. Pink flamingos and a twirling pink umbrella garnish Tucker’s attire. Colin adds more drama and sophistication to his look with pink- tinted sunglasses and a pink lace- up shirt. Like a parody of a perfume commercial, the camera pans and zooms on each of them to showoff their styles as a smooth jazz- like track plays in the background.

Colin dedicated this first battle to his dear friend Cassie, who is currently facing her own breast cancer journey. She is described as “an inspiration to everyone around [ her],” according to their social media post.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers, officials say. It is estimated that in 2020, approximately 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women will be breast cancer. A more positive statistic from the American Cancer Society, there are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Although rare, men can get breast cancer too. In 2020, an estimated 2,620 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U. S. and approximately 520will die, according to the American Cancer Society.

So far, the Ray brothers competition is neck and neck, with Tucker having raised $ 652, and Colin at $ 613 in only the first week of the campaign. The brothers are well on their way to meeting their goal. Donations ( and votes) are made directly to each of their Real Men Wear Pink profiles on the American Cancer Society’s website. Both brothers have already made their own donations to their profiles to get in the lead and support a cause they believe in.

The Real Menwear Pink campaign has reportedly raised over $ 6.5 million to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives from breast cancer. The organization has reported using funds for things like free rides to treatment, one- on- one support from fellow breast cancer survivors, free nights of lodging provided to patients, and more. Breast cancer death rates declined 39% from 1989 to 2015 among women, according to the American Cancer Society. The progress is attributed to improvements in early detection.

“Since I’m in a position tomake a difference within my community, I have an obligation to do so,” Tucker shared on his profile.

Colin said, “Anything helps! Fromthe smallest donations that you can spare, to a smile and a hug for someone that is struggling, let’s do our part to help all in need.”

To stay up to date on the competition and cast your votes, follow Ray Brothers Barbecue on Facebook and Instagram.

SCRAP PAPER SOCIAL From left to right: Colin and Tucker Ray of Ray Brothers Barbecue are going head- to- head to see who can raise more money via the Real Men Wear Pink campaign to fight against breast cancer.

SCREENSHOTS FROM SCRAP PAPER SOCIAL VIDEO Colin Ray sporting his first competition- outfit to beat out his brother in raising money to fight breast cancer.

Tucker Ray posing in his all- pink outfit to raise awareness and money to help fight breast cancer.