CVS/pharmacy promotes in-store fundraising campaign to battle lung cancer at Fenway Park
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — A Kensington, N.H., resident and her family recently took the field with CVS Caremark and American Lung Association at Fenway Park to inspire fans to join Lung Force. This year, CVS/pharmacy is teaming up with the American Lung Association for a new in-store fundraising campaign to support Lung Force, a recently launched initiative that strives to make lung cancer in women a public health priority.
Since June 1 and through June 29, CVS/pharmacy customers can contribute to Lung Force at the register in stores nationwide or online at www.cvs.com/lung, with all proceeds going to support the movement.
Jane Bannister of Kensington, N.H., showed her support for the campaign while encouraging women to stand together against lung cancer — the No. 1 cancer killer of women — by throwing out the first pitch prior to the Boston Red Sox versus Minnesota Twins game on Monday. Joining her on the pitcher’s mound was Eileen Howard Boone, SVP of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy at CVS Caremark. The pre-game tradition included a reminder to fans that there is still time to donate to Lung Force at CVS/pharmacy stores across the country.
Bannister’s mother lost her life in 2008 after a three-year battle with lung cancer. Bannister has shared her story on the Lung Force website to raise awareness and help other women and their families. Her father also lost his life to lung cancer in 1991. She was cheered on at Fenway Park by her daughter, Catherine, a junior at Exeter High School in Exeter, N.H., her brother Ed Friedlander, and his son, Colton, age 6.
Others providing support to Bannister at Fenway Park included VP of the American Lung Association Alana Burns and president and CEO of the American Lung Association Northeast Jeff Seyler.
CVS/pharmacy announced the in-store fundraising campaign in early June to help fight the No. 1 cancer killer of women. In addition to making lung cancer in women a public health priority, Lung Force is seeking to drive policy change and increase research funding. CVS Caremark is the national presenting sponsor of Lung Force.
“Our new campaign aligns well with our purpose of helping people on their path to better health and our commitment to partnering with community organizations to help more people lead tobacco-free lives,” said Howard Boone. “Lung Force is raising awareness about a critical issue for women and their loved ones. Our in-store fundraising will engage our colleagues and customers in raising awareness and critical funds for lung cancer research.”
CVS Caremark colleagues also are engaging in the Lung Force initiative by participating in local Lung Force events across the country. Earlier this year, CVS Caremark announced its decision to remove tobacco from its more than 7,600 retail stores by Oct. 1, 2014, making them the first national retail pharmacy chain in the country to do so.