The Underwear Affair introduces "The Booty Hunt" as a new component of the 2013 race through downtown Calgary

Participants will walk, race or complete challenges dressed in underwear to support breakthrough research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at The Tom Baker Cancer Centre and 16 cancer centres across the province.

CALGARY, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - The Underwear Affair introduced "The Booty Hunt" as a new event component for 2013 race through downtown Calgary.   Participants will walk, race or complete challenges dressed in underwear to support breakthrough research and the discovery of new cancer therapies at The Tom Baker Cancer Centre and 16 cancer centres across the province.

"2013 is our 7^th annual Underwear Affair and this year we've introduced The Booty Hunt as a way for Albertans to work together or hunt as teams by completing a series of fun challenges and activities throughout the city, all while raising vital funds for areas of cancer research that naturally are taboo and consequently, inadequately funded," says Daryl Silzer, Associate Vice President of Development at Alberta Cancer Foundation.

"In Alberta, 33% of diagnosed cancers occur below the belt.  It's unfortunate, but some people are uncomfortable talking about this, and end up putting off or avoiding vital screenings all together, which hinders early detection.  The Underwear Affair is designed to raise critical funds for cancer research and get people talking about underwear cancers. Nearly everyone completes the event in cheeky costumes and basic underwear," Silzer added.

In six years, the Underwear Affair events held in Calgary & Edmonton, combined for over $9.3 million raised for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and funds raised support ongoing prostate, colorectal, ovarian, testicular, bladder, cervical, and uterine cancer research programs at The Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, and 16 cancer centers in the province.  The annual event brings together thousands of participants who walk a 5K route or race a 10K chip-timed route through downtown Calgary.  This year, "Booty Hunters" can form teams and race to complete a series of activities and challenges throughout the city before crossing the finish line.

"We are all affected by one or more of these forms of cancer; whether personally or through a loved one," said third-year participant Robyn Danielle James, from Calgary.

"I have decided to prove to myself that I can help make a difference through my own fitness endeavors and have a great time with friends who have chosen to participate in the Underwear Affair with me," added James.

Silzer says they timed the announcement to coincide with national Awareness to Down There-Ness Day, an initiative aimed to significantly drive registrations for the 2013 Underwear Affairs in Calgary and Edmonton.

"We're encouraging all Canadians cross the country to register themselves, friends, family and colleagues today by visiting www.uncoverthecure.org or calling [phone]," Silzer added.

The Calgary Underwear Affair will take place at the Max Bell Centre, June 1, 2013.   To register, donate or request information, visit www.uncoverthecure.org or call [phone].

ABOUT THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION:
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is Alberta's own. It was established to advance cancer research province-wide and to directly support Alberta's 17 cancer centres, including the Cross Cancer Institute and Tom Baker Cancer Centre. At the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we believe a cancer-free future is both possible and inevitable. When we get there, depends on the focus and energy we put to it today.

SOURCE: Alberta Cancer Foundation

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