CRITICAL NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS: Contact Kimberly Cronin at kimberlycronin@outlook.com if you can spare a few hours of your time to help out on dash day.
MANCHESTER, NH – This year’s 6th Annual Stache Dash 5K walk/run will take place Sunday, November 18, a community-centered event that raises money — and awareness — for prostate cancer prevention.
Race organizer Kimberly Cronin, Vice President of Chill Cares, lost her father to prostate cancer in 2012. Later that year, Cronin held a small fundraiser at Milly’s Tavern where she met Crissy Kantor, owner of Chill Spa. At the time Kantor’s father, Jeff, was battling prostate cancer and would pass away from the disease in 2015. The shared experiences of the two women led to a friendship that has grown into a charitable foundation, Chill Cares, founded in 2015.
The mission of Chill Cares is to bring awareness to the New Hampshire community about prostate cancer, and provide support to families affected by the disease. Cronin says she hopes creating fun community events will encourage people to be open with their thoughts and experiences toward cancer.
“It seemed like 5Ks were popping up for every cause,” said Cronin. “There were no 5Ks for prostate cancer in New Hampshire, and we thought that would be of interest.”
Cronin believes due to cultural customs, awareness for men’s diseases such as prostate cancer often go overlooked.
“Women are more vocal, better advocates, have more support,” said Cronin, referring to breast cancer awareness events.
While 1-in-8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, 1-in-7 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to Chillcares.org. A commemorative month in which people participate in “No Shave November” aka Movember, as a silent support to those who suffer from the disease, is seemingly not enough.
“I was surprised to realize how many people in my circle have experienced prostate cancer, or know someone who has,” said Cronin “It opened my eyes as to how many people are affected, and I had no idea,” said Cronin. “Our job as women is to speak up and encourage men to get screenings.”
It is important to Cronin and the rest of the Chill Cares team that 100 percent of funds raised by the Stache Dash, sponsored by Manchester Urology, stay local.
“We wanted to be able to see where the money is going,” said Cronin.
The Jeff Kantor Research Foundation, named for Crissy’s father, will receive donations from the event. Proceeds will also go toward a local fund to assist families who are dealing with cancer, providing transportation to doctor’s appointments and help with medical bills, medications, groceries, and other necessities.
Last year more than 250 people registered for the Stache Dash.
“We’re expecting a larger crowd this year, and we’re looking to continue to grow,” said Cronin.
The Stache Dash registration for participants and sign-ups for volunteers is still open. Pre-registration ends at 10 a.m. on November 18. For more information, or to register, visit chillcares.org.
