Breast cancer. It’s not something any of us want to think about. But unfortunately, with about one in eight women receiving a breast cancer diagnosis each year, it’s not something we can ignore. Though men can have breast cancer, too, it is far more prevalent in women—and it accounts for 30% of new female cancers annually.
If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that breast cancer has touched your life in some way. Whether a family member, friend, colleague, or perhaps you—it impacts all of us. Yet there are men in our community who have chosen not to accept that the disease is just something that might happen to someone they care about. They’re doing what they can to create change by raising funds for research, finding a cure for cancer, and raising awareness to ensure those suffering from the disease can find support and services to help their battle.
That’s where the Men Wear Pink initiative comes in, and two local gentlemen are taking it upon themselves to make a difference. Enter Scott Swenson and Jon Althoff.
Scott Swenson's involvement with the Men Wear Pink campaign began nearly a decade ago when he was approached by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to become an ambassador for what was then called their Real Men Wear Pink initiative. At the time, Scott, surrounded by the women in his life—three daughters, a wife, and four sisters—recognized the statistical likelihood that breast cancer could affect his family directly. Motivated by this personal connection and the disease's broader impact, he embraced the role with a commitment to make a substantial difference.
Scott's approach to fundraising was community-centered, leveraging social connections through Facebook and email to encourage donations. His efforts evolved into a highly anticipated annual October event—a barbecue at his home featuring pizza, beverages, and live music. He eventually moved the gathering to a pavilion at the Eagan Central Park to accommodate growing attendance and weather uncertainties. The modest goal of raising $2,000 to $3,000 annually burgeoned into a remarkable $30,000 by the end of 2023.
Scott wanted to involve more champions in the cause and reached out to Jon Althoff, a colleague whose personal life had been deeply affected by breast cancer—his wife and twin daughters are survivors of the disease. Jon's familial experience and his commitment to the cause made him an ideal candidate for an ambassador role. Once involved, Jon brought new energy and ideas to the campaign, and together with Scott, they were soon asked to co-chair the initiative.
As co-chairs, Scott and Jon have spent each October raising funds and expanding a network of men dedicated to making a difference. Their partnership is all about leadership in action—Scott, with his large-scale community events, and Jon, through innovative fundraising activities like his field goal challenge, which alone raised over $10,000 last year with the participation of local mayors from West St. Paul, Rosemount, and Farmington.
As the co-chairs for the Minnesota Men Wear Pink campaign, Scott and Jon demonstrate the power of collaboration and the importance of community involvement in addressing critical health issues. Their work with the Men Wear Pink campaign does far more than raise awareness—it builds networks for breast cancer patients. But Scott and Jon need your help. More ambassadors can mean more funds dedicated to research.
Interested in joining the cause? Scott and Jon are looking for 100 more ambassadors to join their mission. The goal is to raise $2,500 per ambassador—and you can use any of your preferred channels to do your fundraising. Leverage social media, make phone calls, knock on doors, or host events—it’s up to you, and it is for a fantastic cause.
Become a Men Wear Pink ambassador and create change for those living with and surviving breast cancer in Minnesota. And remember, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But raising awareness for breast cancer and finding a cure is a daily mission.
Scott and Jon have spent each October raising funds and expanding a network of men dedicated to making a difference.
As the co-chairs for the Minnesota Men Wear Pink campaign, Scott and Jon demonstrate the power of collaboration and the importance of community involvement in addressing critical health issues.