MERRIAM, Kan., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Lee National
Denim Day kicks off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with one
important goal – raising critical funds for American Cancer Society
breast cancer research and support programs. Thousands of people
nationwide will choose a day in October to celebrate Denim Day by
wearing their jeans and donating $5
to the cause. Since its inception in 1996, Denim Day has raised
more than $86 million to fight breast
cancer. With the American Cancer Society as this year's Denim Day
beneficiary, funds raised will support life-saving screenings in
communities nationwide; provide a free place to stay for those
traveling away from home for cancer treatment; and invest in
groundbreaking cancer research.
Leading the effort is Lee National Denim Day's 2012 survivor
ambassador Debbie Howe. Forty-six
year-old Howe began treatment six months ago when she was diagnosed
with breast cancer. When she underwent a double-mastectomy that
failed to eliminate the cancer, she began chemotherapy
treatments. Howe relies heavily on her team of family and friends
for support and to help her rise above breast cancer. Every day,
the American Cancer Society provides information, day-to-day help
and emotional support for cancer patients. This year, Lee National
Denim Day hopes to contribute millions to the American Cancer
Society in the fight to end breast cancer.
"I'm grateful for the work being done by Lee National Denim
Day," says Howe. "During the darkest part of my life, it helps to
know that there are so many people out there working to make a
difference for me and the millions of others diagnosed with breast
cancer."
Fifty percent of net proceeds raised through Lee National Denim
Day will benefit community-based programs, including breast cancer
screenings and the Society's Hope
Lodge® initiative, which provides cancer patients
and their families a free place to stay when they have to travel
away from home for treatment. In 2011, Hope
Lodge facilities across the country provided approximately
250,000 nights of free lodging to nearly 38,000 patients and
caregivers – saving them nearly $23
million in lodging expenses.
The remaining proceeds of Lee National Denim Day will help fund
the American Cancer Society's national research grants to find
cures for breast cancer. As the largest private, not-for-profit
funder of cancer research, the Society has contributed to nearly
every cancer breakthrough in recent history. Their funded
researchers have helped develop the drugs to treat advanced breast
cancer and have shown that mammograms are the most effective form
of detection. One in every two women newly diagnosed with breast
cancer reaches out to the American Cancer Society for help and
support.
"We can't thank our Denim Day participants enough for all their
time, efforts and donations," said Liz
Cahill, vice president of marketing at Lee Jeans. "Lee
National Denim Day was inspired by the women, men, family and
friends who tirelessly fight back against this disease, and we're
proud to stand together with them and the American Cancer
Society."
Lee National Denim Day is committed to improving the everyday
lives of those with breast cancer – past, present and future. Since
its inception in 1996, the program has raised more than
$86 million in this effort.
It's not too late to hold your own Denim Day – we're celebrating
all month long! Register your team at www.denimday.com. Donations
will be accepted through December 31,
2012.
About Lee Jeans
Lee® Jeans is a division of VF Corporation.
(NYSE: VFC). Headquartered in Merriam, Kan., Lee manufactures and markets
brand denim, casual pants, shirts, fleece and knit apparel. A
brand committed to the community, Lee Jeans founded Lee National
Denim Day®, one of the largest single-day fundraisers
for breast cancer. For more information about Lee, visit
www.lee.com.
Media Contact:
Sarah Ferguson, 816.423.6061,
sferguson@crossroads.us
SOURCE Lee Jeans