It was inevitable I suppose, but looking to capitalize on the social media success of this summer’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, U.K. based Check One Two has created the “Crotch Grab Challenge” to raise awareness about testicular cancer and to encourage men to regularly examine themselves.
Recently Hugh Jackman decided to lend a hand (so to speak) to support the cause and tweeted out the above photo signalling his acceptance of the challenge. He then nominated Niel Patrick Harris, Michael Strahan and Ricky Gervais.
BosGuy 
I live with ALS – and the ice bucket challenge this summer was something that was beyond amazing – the most money ever was raised – as was awareness. For that I am grateful. Maybe the cure is really now just around the corner. I daven that be so.
This is important in a similar way – testicular cancer — in my experience — has been something that men (gay or straight) have a difficult time with.
Cancer sucks – no doubt about that. I am so happy to see men being called to take care of ourselves by checking out our junk — I can do an entire rant and even offer myself to be the checker for all (LOL) – what is more important to me at least is that by this outreach men become more comfortable with being okay with checking out their health.
At my synagogue a dear friend (now, almost seven years ago) passed. Benjamin H. “Bucky” Adler – our Temple Brotherhood has been active in Ben’s honor advancing awareness to men about our specific health issues. We have created screenings for issues that us guys are somewhat predisposed to and well, guys being guys do not really take care of ourselves.
Our Brotherhood now sponsors a variety of screenings and outreaches in Boston, Brookline and Newton (along with surrounding communities) – and trust me I am totally stealing the feeling nuts thing as I know that it will be healthful, it will be an opening to men who just want to avoid these things to actually be okay with self examination.
I also am wanting to learn from others who have done similar campaigns with breast cancer and other diseases where an individuals we can do self screening to be out in front of the curve.
By learning from one another we only get stronger. And in doing so we only make the world a better place – as a Jew, in these days of Yamim Noraim, I am especially aware that of all of us are called to do Tikkun Olam (literally, “world repair.”)
We must take the very first small steps to accomplish Tikkun Olam. In doing so, we must understand and learn that the small steps are the first steps to greatness – we individually have to know that we are not greatness – we are just on the journey – and the best thing we can do is offer our hand in support for all to take the journey.
The journey will be amazing. It will be life changing.
My mother -who survived the Holocaust – would say to us, do not run, do not skip, do not jump only walk slowly – it may appear to be slow and confiding, But in a steady and confirmed walk you make great progress. I still do not understand how she became so smart. I just try to walk confirmed and steady.
As I pray we all shall.
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Thank you for sharing.
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Well, it’s certainly a lot hotter than the ice bucket challenge! Anything for a good cause.
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