Watch out Calgary and Edmonton! Thousands of people will be running on your streets with nothing on but their underwear for The Underwear Affair, a foot race like none other, in an effort to raise money and awareness for cancers below the waist.

At 6:00pm on June 6th in Calgary, and June 20th in Edmonton, participants will be walking or running a 5km or 10km course. Each participant is encouraged to put on their best underwear and/or a crazy costume and raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s research into prostrate, colo-rectal, ovarian, bladder, cervical, and testicular cancers. Thousands of individuals in Alberta have been diagnosed with these types of cancers in the past year, and hundreds more have died.

Linda Mickelson, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation is passionate about The Underwear Affair. “One third of all cancer is found below the waist. Many individuals are not comfortable talking about it. There is less of an emphasis on these cancers as a result, therefore less funding. By making this a fun event, there is a potential to make some serious dollars!”

The Alberta Cancer Foundation has a long history of creating research dollars for further cancer research. Through their 17 province-wide cancer centres, they provide diagnosis, treatment, and care to Albertans. They also fund cancer research and provide evidence-based prevention and screening programs to prevent cancer from even occurring in individuals.

Promoted as an event for “people of all ages, all athletic abilities, and all fashion statements”, this event is inclusive to everyone that chooses to participate.

To register in The Underwear Affair, you commit to a $300 contribution. This is never a difficult task, as most individuals are not afraid to donate to such a worthy cause. Linda Mickelson is certain that significant money will be raised. Each year she sees the attendance and contributions increase considerably and she is just as certain with this year’s event. “How can you not support people racing in their underwear?”

The fun is not over once you cross the finish line! Participants and guests are invited to EXPOsed the after party beginning after the first person crosses the finish line. There will be live music, dancing, and cocktails to top off your evening.

If you are unable to run in The Underwear Affair make sure you go down to cheer the participants on. Find someone you can donate too, and spread the word! For more information on locations of the event, and how to get involved please visit www.uncoverthecure.org.

Everyone knows someone who has or has had cancer. Linda Mickelson assures us that “cancer isn’t selective. All ages and all walks of life are susceptible.” While cancer below the waist is often ignored, the Underwear Affair is changing that with your participation.