Stache Dash: Running toward a cure for prostate cancer

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MANCHESTER, NH – To help raise funds and awareness about prostate cancer, Chill Cares will be hosting the 5th annual ‘Stache Dash’, a 5K walk/run on Sunday, November 5.

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Kimberly Cronin, co-founder of ChillCares.com, and her dad,Richard Dillon, who died of prostate cancer in 2012.

Kimberly Cronin, Vice President of Chill Cares –  the organizing body for the race –  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 and they would later go on to create Chill Cares in 2015.

The mission of Chill Cares is to bring awareness to the New Hampshire community and provide support to families affected by cancer. Cronin hopes that by creating fun community events, it 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.”

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Crissy Kantor and her dad, Jeff, who died in 2015 of prostate cancer.

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.

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Family affair: Jim and Kimberly Cronin, center, Kim’s father, far right, with other family members. Courtesy photo

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.

Cronin says close to 250 people have registered for the Stache Dash to date, including 60 people from the Manchester Police Department. Her goal is to ultimately get more community members to participate in the event over time.

“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 4. Runner’s Alley will be holding registration from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. For more information, or to register, visit chillcares.org.

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