Nov. 17 at Stark Brewing Co.: Stache Dash 5K in support of those fighting prostate cancer

---

MANCHESTER, NH — Sunday’s Stache Dash 5K at Stark Brewing Co. is a chance for everyone to come together for a worthy cause — facial hair, optional.

The 7th annual Stache Dash is an event that means different things to different people. Some come for the sense of community, others come to run and mingle with fake mustaches. Organizer Crissy Kantor and Kimberly Cronin will be there to promote awareness around prostate cancer, the disease that this year will claim 31,000 lives.

The disease that took their fathers.

---

After discovering their common bond, Cronin and Kantor established the first 5K race for prostate cancer in New Hampshire. Then in 2015, Kantor and a group of like-minded individuals created Chill Cares, a charitable arm of Kantor’s business, Chill Spa on Hanover Street. Through Chill Cares, a local support network has grown which provides families with support and a way to make sure the message of early detection, prevention and treatment is heard far and wide.

Proceeds benefit the Jeffrey Kantor Research Fund for Prostate Cancer, affiliated with the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Funds are also used to help those dealing with a diagnosis for supplemental expenses, like utility bills and gas cards, picking up some of the financial burden created by a life-changing diagnosis.

---

What began as two women determined to spread the word about prostate cancer has grown to include a statewide awareness campaign. On Sept. 20 Gov. Chris Sununu met with members of the NH Prostate Cancer Coalition board to declare September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in NH. Kantor, who serves on the board, said it was a huge honor for the New Hampshire coalition. Chill Cares and the New Hampshire Prostate Cancer Coalition are proud participants in the National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions. Their plan is to elevate prostate cancer awareness events to a national level.

---

Along with getting in on the fun and the run this Sunday, participants are asked to bring a necktie to be added to the annual display. Each necktie represents someone who has battled prostate cancer and beat it, or someone whose life has been affected by the loss of a loved one to the disease.

“My dad’s tie is there,” said Kantor, of the navy-blue tie featuring colorful skiers. Her dad loved to ski.

Bib pick-up in advance is Saturday at Chill Spa from 2- 4 pm, but you can also register on the day of the race between 8:30-9:30 a.m. Manchester Urology Associates are the presenting event sponsor.