Every year there are more than 160,000 new diagnosed cases of testicular, leukemia, and colorectal cancers in the United States.
Ryan Shinnick, Alabama college event coordinator for a group called High Fives for Hope, helped put together an event Tuesday at Quixotes in downtown Auburn called "Coronas for Cojones".
It was the first event the group had hosted in the state of Alabama. Shinnick already has his sights set for more events of its kind to follow in the state and hopes that one day it will be Auburn University who is hosting fundraising events for High Fives for Hope.
High Fives for Hope is still in its infancy.
"If those who attended wake up the next morning and remember, it helps, and if they don't remember, oh well, they still helped," Shinnick said. "We are so young right now, our main priority for the moment is gaining awareness for both High Fives for Hope as well as these various types of cancer."
According to Shinnick, the idea for the organization originated a little over a year ago when Shinnick's brother, along with a few of his fraternity brothers, were sitting around discussing how they could make a difference.
The topic of breast cancer and the mass amounts of attention it received was brought up for discussion. The conversation then turned to the lack of attention that other cancers like leukemia, testicular and colorectal cancers received.
All were in agreement, and amidst drinks and high fives the idea was born.
The concept of the high five was employed as a way to "better gain attention for our organization" Shinnick said. Though the organization has existenced for a little more than a year and a half, High Fives for Hope raised almost $8,000 last year.
The money primarily goes toward research, but also to increase awareness on how to prevent various types of cancer through healthy practices like eating and exercise.
The majority of events High Fives for Hope hosts are typically set in bars.
At Quixotes, a $5 cover gets you a cup and $1 drafts all night.
Quixotes donated a percentage of their profits Tuesday night to High Fives for Hope.
The event raised more than $800 for their first Alabama event.
"I hope this is the first of many events held in Auburn for High Fives for Hope," said Mike Stagno, senior in RTVF. "I am hoping to do another event this spring before I graduate, then pass down the torch to younger classmen to carry on. High Fives for Hope is for past and future generations, not just ours."
For more information on High Fives for Hope, visit highfivesforhope.com, or visit their Facebook page.
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