Any cancer diagnosis, no matter how “easily treatable,” is a gut punch. The key is to have your friends rally around you and keep fighting. For Mark Hunter, he’s one year into life with prostate cancer and fighting harder than ever.

“Our goal here today is to bring awareness to prostate cancer. It is my hope that I can encourage at least one person in the community to go to their doctor and ask what early detection protocol is best for them.”

Hunter was hosting the Pink Nail Society’s 10th Anniversary Masquerade Gala at his eponymous club in Wilton Manors. The event was gorgeous, with attendees clad in pink while donning fabulous masks.

Stephen Tendrich founded the group when his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He painted the nail on one of his little fingers pink and told his dad he had his unwavering support. Now, Tendrich helps others get tested early and start treatment.

“We’re giving prostate cancer the finger,” Tendrich said during the gala. “Awareness is key, and you hold that key. We pinky swear to care.”

From a 360-degree camera outside to fabulous performances, headlined by Jennifer McClain, outside, the night struck a perfect mix of fun and seriousness.

Prostate cancer is a slow moving disease and often goes unchecked. Many patients live years. But as Hunter attests, it’s not easy.

“MRIs, pet scans, radiation, chemotherapy. Not to mention the pain, sleepless nights, the nausea, the hot flashes, the mood swings, exhaustion and losing my hair. Then on top of all that, dealing with everyday life.”

For more information, visit PinkNailSociety.org.

Screenshot via OutSFL Live, YouTube.