Love, advocacy inspire Lakewood Ranch resident to join Men Wear Pink

In 2015, Lakewood Ranch's David Perkowski heard words from his wife, Allison Imre-Perkowski, that made his wife sink. 

"I need to see an oncologist," Imre-Perkowski said to Perkowski. 

Imre-Perkowski was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. 

It wasn't the first time Perkowski and his wife were ready to fight cancer. 

They were alongside Imre-Perkowski's sister, Jennifer Imre-Justus, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2019. 

Then in 2022, Imre-Perkowski had a double mastectomy as a precautionary measure.

No matter the person or type of cancer, the Perkowskis stayed strong and fought together. 

With a cause so dear to Perkowski's heart, he is participating in Men Wear Pink for the first time Sept. 14 to support the American Cancer Society and educate his children about cancer and the impact it has on thousands.

"When someone you love is going through (cancer), it affects everyone, even down to our kids," Perkowski said. 

He said he has financially supported the event and nonprofit for years, but this year, he's been able to dedicate time to the cause as well. 

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When he hits the runway at the Men Wear Pink fashion show at the Mall at University Town Center, he said he'll be able to share a moment with his wife, who has been an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society. Imre-Perkowski will serve as emcee for the fashion show. 

"There is no us without her," he said of his wife. 

His biggest love and pride is his wife and children, 9-year-old son Raymond Perkowski and 3-year-old daughter Ryan Perkowski. 

He said his participation in Men Wear Pink gives him an opportunity to share the story of his wife and sister-in-law, who are just two of the thousands impacted by cancer, while also spreading awareness about the work and research of the American Cancer Society.

"This isn't just about us," Perkowski said. "It's more about everybody that cancer affects. It's about the masses. It's about not just our life, but everyone's lives."

Perkowski said his family consists of fighters who take on challenges head on no matter the situation. 

"It's not a 'poor me' situation," he said. "We're all in this together. Rather than sitting back in a depressive state, we just go head-first into the fight and do what we need to do to get that family member better."

When Imre-Perkowski first received the renal cell carcinoma diagnosis, the couple was preparing to go on a cruise. 

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Perkowski said one of the questions they asked the oncologist was whether Imre-Perkowski would be able to have a an alcoholic beverage on the cruise.

The doctor's response was simple, Perkowski said. Would she had the cocktail if they didn't know about her diagnosis? 

Perkowski said it was in that moment that he and his wife realized cancer wouldn't rule their lives. 

"This doesn't stop everything. We can still keep moving forward with our life while we battle this," he said. "Having a good quality of life is everything and continuing that while we fight this."

The family faced every heartbreaking diagnosis or challenge with levity. 

Perkowski said they named Imre-Perkowski's mass in her kidney, Phillip because it looked like it had a face. 

After her partial nephrectomy, Perkowski said they've called her scar the shark bite. 

Perkowski said he might bring levity and laughter to the Men Wear Pink fashion show. 

He plans to simply have fun and let loose, though he hasn't determined any poses he'll strike at the end of the runway. 

"I do a lot of things off the cuff and if the moment strikes," he said. 

To help raise money for the American Cancer Society, Perkowski is co-hosting two events. 

He will co-host with Lakewood Ranch's Scott Kessler the Take a Shot for the Cure clay shoot at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 13. 

He's also collaborating with Geckos Hospitality Group for Barrels for Boobies, which is an already sold out bourbon dinner. 

"It's love of humanity to be able to do these things and utilize my time in such a positive way," Perkowski said. 

Serving as an ambassador for Men Wear Pink is an opportunity for Perkowski to educate his children, he said, as they learn about supporting nonprofits and the mission of the American Cancer Society. 

With Imre-Perkowski's family history of cancer, Perkowski said his children need to be aware of the possibility that something like cancer could impact them. 

To be a role model for his children means the world to him, Perkowski said. 

"One of my biggest rewards as a father, as a husband is to be able to help lead our family," he said.