If you’re ever in the Hartford area and see a man confidently strolling through a festival or dance floor in a pink tuxedo, there’s a good chance it’s Mike Daly. If you stop to ask him why he’s wearing it, you’ll get an answer that’s heartfelt, honest and unwavering:
“Because people need to see the face behind the statistics regarding cancer and particularly breast cancer.”
Mike, of New England Prestige Realty in Glastonbury, is not your typical real estate professional. A former American Airlines marketing executive and U.S. Air Force veteran, he holds degrees in both marketing and law, Mike brings a multifaceted perspective to everything he does.
But it’s his role as a cancer survivor, community advocate and tireless supporter of breast cancer awareness and education that truly sets him apart.
“Real estate is how I help people today,” Mike says. “It’s another way to be there during one of the most important decisions of their lives."
That journey took a sharp turn when Mike was diagnosed with a rare form of melanoma, despite doing "everything right," including eating well and staying active.
During chemotherapy, his world narrowed to treatment rooms, difficult conversations and long days of reflection. Out of the experience, purpose emerged.
He became a breast cancer advocate after a childhood friend was diagnosed with it. Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the U.S., and while male breast cancer is rare, it often goes undiagnosed until it’s too late. So he focuses his advocacy on men as well.
His signature look — pink tuxedos, workout clothes, sweatpants and bow ties —is part of his advocacy.
The Arthur Murray dance community became a lifeline, after he signed up for a dance contest, partly to support the local chamber of commerce and advocate about breast cancer awareness.
“They gave me free lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, so I showed up in a pink tux, danced my heart out and got people talking about breast cancer."
The dance community offered him support as he adjusted to life post-treatment.
“Chemo impacted my balance, so I had to stop riding bikes like I used to. But dancing gave me another way to move, recover and stay connected.”
Whether it’s riding for CT Challenge, working as an office manager for the Jordan Porco Foundation, or helping families buy and sell homes, Mike’s approach is grounded in gratitude.
“The community gave me so much during my cancer journey. I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who care—and even luckier to give back.”
That sense of purpose is woven into his work. From first-time homebuyers to corporate investors, Mike’s mission is the same: help them move forward with confidence and compassion.
“Someone is better off today because of something I did yesterday—that’s the goal,” Mike says. “We should all strive for that.”
And he continues to push the message of breast cancer awareness.
We need to remain vigilant and keep talking—because behind every statistic is someone’s story. Like mine. If sharing that story means wearing a pink tuxedo or jumping out of an airplane with a pink parachute to get people to ask questions — well, that’s just part of the job.”
To support fundraising efforts visit Cancer.org and search “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
To support Mike Daly’s efforts directly:
Mike Daly
New England Prestige Realty
154 Naubuc Ave.
860-729-7433
Email: mike@neprestigerealty.com
On Facebook: @mikedalyrealtor
I treat people the way I’d want to be treated. I guide them to the best possible outcome—just like I was guided during my own journey.”
“The mortality rate for men is actually higher because doctors and patients don’t expect it. People joke, they argue with me, but I keep talking. Because the message matters.”