Dash of blue

Sporting blue-striped ties, members of a male choir say it’s a perfect fit for them to dedicate a concert to help bring more awareness to prostate cancer.

The Fort William Male Choir held a new conference on Sunday to announce its fundraising concert on Dec. 3 and 4. The annual concert, held at the Thunder Bay Auditorium, plans to bring further awareness to prostate cancer and also donate a portion of the year’s proceeds to the Prostate Cancer Canada Network-Thunder Bay. The theme of the concert is Sing for the health of it.

While breast cancer traditionally had the pink ribbon as its symbol, prostate cancer will have its own colourful symbol.

Phil Junnila, board member of Prostate Cancer Canada Network-Thunder Bay, said a striped coloured blue tie will serve as the symbol for the awareness campaign. Each member of the choir will have the blue tie as they perform at the concert, he said.

The prostate cancer network offers support for residents affected by the disease including information and tips for early detection. Junnila said prostate cancer will affect one out of six men in their lifetime.

Junnila knows first hand what it is like to have cancer; doctors diagnosed him with the disease last January.

"The incidents of prostate cancer is exactly the same as it’s for breast cancer in Canada," Junnila said. "It is the single largest killer of men in Canada. I got tested every year and when something went wrong my doctor had something to go on. They checked it and they caught it right away. I’m a survivor."

Junnila said men need to get checked regularly and have regular physicals to ensure that doctors catch the disease early.

Don Harris, vice-president of the Fort William Male Choir, said the choir wanted to give back to the community and felt bring further awareness to prostate cancer was a good way to do so.

"It’s a real nice fit," Harris said. "We’re a male choir and we see this as a men’s disease. We want to support those that are in need. It’s our prelude to Christmas concert. They’re beautiful songs. Every time that I sing it comes from the heart. We’re really hoping Thunder Bay will get behind us and fill up the auditorium."

With about 39 members in the choir, Harris said they also want to try to recruit more members to come and sing.

"It is a lot of work but it’s very rewarding," he said.