My brother Tony passed away after a very short battle with colo-rectal cancer in November 2011.  In less than 8 weeks, he went from 'responding well to treatment' to saying goodbye to his many loved ones.    

The Underwear Affair fundraiser supports research and treatment of cancers below the waist, including prostate, colo-rectal, testicular and ovarian/uterine cancers.  This year's Underwear Affair is a joint effort for the Mah clan and friends.  Both of my sisters-in-law will be running the 10K, while I will be doing the 5K with Tony's kids (his greatest legacy) and another Mah sibling.  We'll be joined by friends of Tony and Lynn.

I'm doing the 5K vs the 10K for a variety of reasons. I thought the Underwear Affair was happening while I was working (my Spring work weekend schedule was set in place by January) but found out 3 weeks before the event that the Underwear Affair was happening after I'd be done work. 3 weeks to get into 10K running shape was not realistic.  Also, I'm not sure my inner gimp would forgive me for taking up running again.  Please make a contribution to my first fundraising effort since peddling my chocolate chip cookies at HUB Mall between university classes... I may even make a few cookies as a thank you for any donation.

Even if you're unable to donate now, please make a difference by staying vigilant on your health and well-being.  Tony was considered too young to be screened for this type of cancer.  However, untold numbers of his friends and family (myself included) have now gone through the process of education and screening for common cancers that often strike without noticeable symptoms. Submit yourself to all those awkward and inconvenient tests or routine screening procedures that you would rather avoid but know you should do.    The circle of life is inevitable but you never know when you're going to be able to stop a hazardous u-turn.