From business leaders and healthcare professionals to fathers, sons, and cancer survivors, the men of Southwest Louisiana are proving that breast cancer awareness is everyone's responsibility.
Pink has traditionally been associated with women, but across Southwest Louisiana, a group of dedicated men is challenging that perception and turning a familiar color into a powerful symbol of solidarity.
Through the American Cancer Society's Real Men Wear Pink campaign, local business leaders, professionals, and community advocates have united to raise awareness, support cancer research, and encourage conversations about breast cancer prevention and early detection.
Their message is simple: supporting women affected by breast cancer is not just a women's issue. It's a community responsibility.
Leading the Style, Leading the Charge
The 2023 Southwest Louisiana Real Men Wear Pink campaign officially kicked off with an announcement celebration at L'Auberge Casino Resort on September 26, 2023.
Candidates gathered with friends, family, and supporters to share their personal connections to cancer and explain why they had committed to the cause.
Each ambassador was challenged to raise at least $2,500, wear pink throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and inspire others to become involved through fundraising activities, community events, and social media awareness campaigns.
Their collective efforts delivered remarkable results.
In 2023, Southwest Louisiana's Real Men Wear Pink campaign raised $271,270, surpassing its $250,000 fundraising goal by $21,270 and ranking seventh nationally among more than 100 campaigns.
According to the campaign figures featured in RoseRed Magazine's first issue, the Southwest Louisiana initiative had raised more than $1.15 million since 2015.
But behind every dollar was a story of someone whose life had been changed by cancer.
Meet the Ambassadors
Grant Navarre: Turning Family Loss Into Lasting Impact
Representing Navarre Auto Group, Grant Navarre emerged as one of Southwest Louisiana's most successful and longest-serving Real Men Wear Pink ambassadors.
During the 2023 campaign, Grant raised an extraordinary $115,235, earning recognition as Louisiana's top fundraiser and ranking second nationally.
His commitment was deeply personal. Grant lost his father, Billy, to cancer, while his cousin and grandmother had both experienced breast cancer.
Over eight years of participation, he had raised $596,919, demonstrating how one person's dedication can create a lasting impact throughout an entire community.
Cody Stroud: Fighting for Someone He Loves
For Cody Stroud of Triad Electrical & Controls, participating in Real Men Wear Pink was an opportunity to honor his grandmother, Joan “JoJo” Reeves.
After watching her battle breast cancer, Cody committed himself to helping others facing the disease.
His efforts raised $36,708.03 during the 2023 campaign.
Cody's story reflects what motivates so many ambassadors: the determination to support someone they love while making a difference for families experiencing similar challenges.
Joshua Robinson: A Commitment to Community
Joshua Robinson, representing Golden Nugget Lake Charles, raised $32,391.58 in 2023.
Beyond fundraising, Joshua had devoted more than 17 years to volunteering with the American Cancer Society. As a Relay for Life committee chair and community leader, he had witnessed countless stories of courage from survivors and caregivers.
His involvement demonstrated that meaningful advocacy requires more than a single fundraising season. It grows through years of service, relationships, and continued commitment.
Edwin McCall: Inspired by Survivorship
Edwin McCall of STS Industrial raised $22,672.01.
Having witnessed the impact of cancer among family and friends, Edwin found particular inspiration in his mother-in-law's recovery from breast cancer.
Her survivorship reinforced his belief in the importance of cancer research, continued treatment advancements, and community support.
Kevin Sandstead: Bringing Awareness Into the Workplace
Kevin Sandstead of Phillips 66 raised $13,492.29.
His campaign demonstrated how businesses and employees can help bring breast cancer awareness into everyday spaces.
Through a fundraising bowling tournament and other community activities, Kevin encouraged participants to support the American Cancer Society while building connections around a shared cause.
More Men Making a Difference
The strength of the Southwest Louisiana campaign extended well beyond its leading fundraisers.
Logan Williams of CSE Federal Credit Union raised $5,713.93 in honor of his mother, who was celebrating ten years since overcoming breast cancer in 2023.
Randy Partin of Banners at McNeese State University raised $5,202.57. Having experienced cancer personally and witnessed its impact on family members, Randy brought his dedication to community service and arts advocacy to the campaign.
Scotty Schadler of S&B Engineers and Constructors raised $5,107.51. Inspired by his mother's decades-long survivorship, Scotty used his creativity and community involvement to support breast cancer awareness.
Other participating ambassadors included Chad Galicia of Gulf South Benefits, Dr. Matias Nauts of CHRISTUS Ochsner, Garet Berry of Moosehead Insurance, Heath Allen of Lake Charles Regional Airport, and Trey Hays of First Federal Bank of Louisiana.
The campaign also recognized contributions from Nicholas Algero of Algero Law, John Ware of KPLC TV, Ed Bonilla of AMERISAFE, Jerod Abshire of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, Andrew M. Jordan of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, George Vanderhey of George's House of Flowers, Lenny Parker of ARMSCO Industrial Refrigeration, Dalton Guillory, Matt Hebert, and Dan Phelan.
Together, these ambassadors represented a broad cross-section of Southwest Louisiana, united by the belief that everyone has a role to play in fighting breast cancer.
Changing the Conversation Around Breast Cancer
One of the most meaningful accomplishments of Real Men Wear Pink is its ability to challenge traditional ideas about masculinity.
By proudly wearing pink, speaking openly about cancer, and encouraging their peers to become involved, these men help create space for conversations that might otherwise remain unspoken.
Breast cancer affects far more than the individual diagnosed. It touches spouses, children, parents, siblings, caregivers, coworkers, and entire communities.
Men who participate in fundraising and awareness campaigns help demonstrate that compassion, vulnerability, and advocacy are expressions of strength.
As 2023 campaign co-chair Nicholas Algero emphasized in the original RoseRed feature, wearing pink should be a source of pride rather than stigma.
The visibility of local leaders encourages others to recognize the importance of early detection, support services, research, and the emotional challenges associated with cancer.
A Community That Continues to Show Up
The success of Southwest Louisiana's Real Men Wear Pink campaign reflects the generosity of local businesses, the dedication of volunteers, and the personal experiences that motivate people to take action.
For some ambassadors, the campaign honors a loved one lost. For others, it celebrates survivorship or supports someone still undergoing treatment.
Every fundraiser, pink outfit, and community gathering helps remind families that they do not have to face cancer alone.
The stories behind these ambassadors illustrate something greater than a fundraising total: a community willing to stand together, challenge stereotypes, and turn compassion into action.
Real men wear pink not simply to make a statement, but to make a difference.
Originally featured in RoseRed Magazine, Volume One. Ambassador affiliations, fundraising amounts, campaign rankings, and personal milestones reflect the 2023 campaign and are preserved here as historical information. To learn about current Real Men Wear Pink campaigns, visit the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.