GUND® AND THE SUSAN G. KOMEN BREAST
CANCER FOUNDATION
WORK TOGETHER TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER
GUND® Plush Raise Awareness About National Incidence
EDISON, N.J. - September 16, 2003 - The Orange County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is working with GUND® to help raise awareness of breast cancer and provide comfort to patients undergoing treatment. Two Gund plush characters have been added to the mission-driven merchandise selection on the Web site for Orange County, California, www.oneineight.org.
“Gund is pleased to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in its ongoing mission to increase awareness and improve treatment options,” said Bruce Raiffe, President, Gund.
The mission of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. To help drive the message home, the Orange County Affiliate in California has selected “One in Eight” as its slogan. This serves as a reminder that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Two Gund plush characters are featured on the mission-driven merchandise catalog at oneineight.org.
The first is Leggy, a light blue Octopus with black eyes. Leggy’s eight legs represent the “one in eight” national statistic of breast cancer diagnosis within a women’s lifetime. Leggy comes with a pink ribbon bearing the Komen Foundation logo. It is available from oneineight.org for $19.95 plus shipping.
Manni, a classic Gund bear has been chosen as a “Chemo Buddy Bear” for anyone needing a little extra comfort. Manni wears a pink ribbon with the Komen Foundation logo around his neck. He is also available from oneineight.org for $19.95.
Leggy has also been selected as the official mascot for the 2003 Komen Race For the Cure® in Orange County. Leggy will be on sale at the race and proceeds from sales will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The race takes place on September 28 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California.
“The One in Eight Message is not meant to be fearful, but to empower women to take positive steps and schedule regular medical screenings, as appropriate for their age and risk factors,” said Cathy Orr, Merchandise Chair, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Orange County Affiliate.
This year, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Komen Race for the Cure®, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. The Orange County race, at the end of September, takes place in time to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for October.
About the Susan. G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure® to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised nearly $600 million for the fight against breast cancer.
About Gund®
GUND® is known worldwide for its top quality, soft and huggable plush designs. Award winning GUND® products appeal to all ages, from infants up, and are perfect for both play and collecting. The 106-year old company is based in Edison, New Jersey, and distributes throughout the United States and Canada as well as in Europe, Japan, Australia and South America. GUND® products may be found in gift, specialty, toy, book, museum and department stores and many other retail outlets. To find your nearest retailer, visit www.gund.com.