Local executive goes pink to raise money for breast cancer research

Tom Flookes, a local executive with IBM and co-chair of the American Cancer Society’s Board of Advisors, currently ranks No. 2 in the nation in funds raised for the Real Men Wear Pink campaign.

He really wants to earn that top spot. If you need proof of that, look no further than his new, brightly colored hairdo.

The pink hair is to catch your attention, but Flookes follows up on that attention with an important message: breast cancer affects everyone, women and men.

That's why the American Cancer Society has recruited men to fight breast cancer through Real Men Wear Pink. Flookes is one of a distinguished group of community leaders, determined to raise awareness and money to support the American Cancer Society's mission and save more lives than ever before from breast cancer.

“It’s a conversation starter,” Flookes said of the heads that turn to stare. “We lose 1,600 people to cancer every day and it’s a problem that screams for help. I want to help. “

Although Flookes doesn’t have cancer in his immediate family, he said the odds are one in three women will get cancer in their lifetime, and one in two men, “so I want to think ahead and raise the funds now.”

Flookes has already raised more than $43,000, the second most in the nation. He’s trying to top the first-place fundraiser from Louisiana and has until the end of the day on October 31 to claim the top spot.

“I would love to see Seattle get accolades for being at the top of the campaign for Real Men Wear Pink,” Flookes said. “We’re hoping for a little civic pride: let’s put Seattle in first place, and while we’re at it, help save lives.”

The RMWP campaign encourages participants to wear pink throughout the month of October, increase breast cancer awareness wherever they go, and help raise funds for breast cancer research, programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society.

Cox Media Group