This year marks a milestone for the Mougey family. In 2013, Katrina Mougey found a lump in her breast that was diagnosed as a cancer. After the treatment, including a double mastectomy and a host of medications, including chemotherapy, the tumors disappeared. But the concern for his cancer would come back. Every year since his diagnosis, Mougey has had several exams with his oncologist. Now she has reached the five-year survival threshold with no signs of cancer, which means that her visits to the oncologist are reduced to once a year.

"The five-year mark is a milestone for cancer survivors," said Mougey. "The risk of recidivism is decreasing and it is unlikely to come back. There is no guarantee, but I am ready to celebrate!

In support of his wife, Katrina's husband, Peter Mougey, has been part of the Real Men Wear Pink campaign since its inception three years ago. The initiative was created to give men a greater role in the fight against breast cancer and every year candidates raise awareness and fund the American Cancer Society to fund research, education and services to patients with breast cancer. As an attorney and shareholder of the law firm Levin Papantonio of Pensacola, Mougey joins this year 15 other community leaders who have already registered for the campaign. There is room for 20 people and make no mistake, these guys do not mind when it comes to fighting breast cancer and competition.

This is only the third year of the Pensacola Real Men Wear Pink initiative and the last two years, the local campaign has raised more money than any other campaign in Florida, including in the big cities like Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville. Atlanta throughout the Southeast region. This year's fundraising goal is $ 105,000.

Each candidate sets a smaller individual amount to reach it and this year Peter Mougey plans to raise $ 15,000 – $ 2,000 more than he and his family helped last year.

"It helps to promote the problem for awareness and what I like too, the campaign tackles the hidden costs associated with access to treatment," explained Peter. "The money raised helps local patients pay for their travel expenses, such as food and hotels. When Katrina has experienced this, everything has become clear, it can be expensive to seek treatment and many people do not have access to these doors and need help.

Keith Hoskins, Western District General Manager at Gulf Power Company and a former Blue Angels pilot, also joined the campaign this year. Although he is a member of various boards and supports many charities, this one had special meaning for him. He lost his own mother to colon cancer soon after graduating from college. He says everyone knows someone touched by cancer and that's why he wanted to get involved. In October, not only did he pledge to wear pink, but his personal goal is to raise $ 12,500 for the campaign.

"I think the biggest commitment is when you interact with people in the community, sensitizing them," said Hoskins. "I am also very proud to be one of those great community leaders participating in this program. It's an honor for me to be part of them. "

As part of their efforts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, the Mougey family is once again hosting their Mougey Serve for a Cause, an annual youth tennis tournament launched four years ago by the three Mougey children. They have raised nearly $ 40,000 for the American Cancer Society so far.

If you would like to learn more about Mougey's efforts to raise funds for Real Men Wear Pink or to meet you or donate to other campaign candidates, check out the American Cancer Society's website at Address realmenwearpinkacs.org/pensacolafl. There are also three places for the candidates. If you are interested or have a question, please contact Kay Mitchell, Community Development Manager at the American Cancer Society, at 850-266-2274.

"We are looking for men at least 21 years old, leaders with a great reputation, who want to give back and who have a heart for this community," said Mitchell.

Read or share this story: https://www.pnj.com/story/life/2018/09/20/power-pink-men-fighting-breast-cancer/1372406002/