CINCINNATI - On Wednesday 29, 2021, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac and Cincinnati Fire Chief Michael Washington joined a team of prominent men in the Cincinnati area to serve as ambassadors through the American Cancer Society’s annual “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign presented by TriHealth.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Each October the American Cancer Society enlists the help of men in their respective communities to spread awareness about breast cancer, the second leading cancer-related death in the U.S.

Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac and Cincinnati Fire Chief Michael Washington are joining a team of prominent men in the Cincinnati area who will serve as ambassadors through the American Cancer Society’s annual “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign presented by TriHealth. More than two dozen local business and community leaders have pledged to be a part of the campaign.  

Throughout October, Real Men Wear Pink ambassadors will encourage community members to act in the fight against breast cancer, as well as raise funds to help the American Cancer Society.

“As the founding Chair for the Cincinnati Real Men Wear Pink campaign, I couldn’t be more excited that Chief Isaac and Chief Washington will be joining our Real Men Wear Pink team this year”, said Jeanette Altenau, Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs for TriHealth and the Chair of the American Cancer Society Cincinnati Real Men Wear Pink campaign.  This year, more than ever before, it’s critical that we remind our family and friends to catch up on all cancer screenings that were missed since the start of the pandemic.  Having these two Chiefs, who represent first responders across ALL of our communities, step forward and lead this message will help us identify cancer cases earlier and change outcomes for survivors and their families.  I am so very grateful for Chief Isaac, Chief Washington and all first responders across our community who will wear pink in October to remind all of us to protect those we love and schedule our screenings.”    

In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cincinnati Police Officers may wear pink CPD badges and patches on their uniforms. They can also wear a CPD Breast Cancer Awareness ballcap in lieu of their uniform hat throughout the month of October.

“This is a cause near and dear to my heart,” said Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac. “We have had several members of our Police family who have bravely fought this dreadful disease or who are currently battling this cancer. I have also personally witnessed its devastating effects. We know that cancer doesn’t just affect those diagnosed or survivors, but those who love them too. I am honored to once again be a Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador and I am glad that Fire Chief Washington has joined me in the campaign this year.”

Chief Isaac participated in the campaign in the past, this is Chief Washington’s first year as an ambassador.

“Like most others, I’ve been touched personally by a loved one’s battle with cancer,” said Fire Chief Michael Washington. Having been through that and knowing that firefighters are at an increased risk for many forms of cancer, it’s important to me to spread awareness about the importance of scheduling cancer screenings. I want our firefighters and all the Cincinnatians we serve to lead long and healthy lives.”

Since the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign began in 2016, Cincinnati’s campaign has raised more than $1 million dollars for cancer patients and their families in our community.