For Release: Immediate
AstraZeneca/HIP of Greater New York Sponsor Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Awareness Night at NewYork Mets vs/ Colordo Rockies Game
HIP Health Plan of New York and AstraZeneca Join the Mets to Strike Out Breast and Prostate Cancer
New York’s Largest HMO and Top Pharmaceutical Company Host Mets Game
Featuring Human Cancer Ribbon
August 23, 2001– When the New York Mets hit the field on August 23rd, they’ll be taking on more than the Colorado Rockies. They’ll be taking on breast and prostate cancer as part of the "AstraZeneca/HIP Health Plan of New York Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Night." And for every run scored, AstraZeneca, sponsor of the event, will donate $1,000 for each home run with a minimum contribution of $10,000. The total amount will be split equally among the participating cancer advocacy groups.
As part of the evening’s events, 500 cancer survivors and their families wearing colors symbolic of breast and prostate cancer, breast and prostate cancer colors (pink and blue respectively) will form a Living Ribbon during the National Anthem. This giant, yet familiar cancer emblem will salute the participating survivors and families, and symbolize the thousands of people who are diagnosed and survive these diseases every year.
One of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world, AstraZeneca, is joining forces with
The largest HMO in the New York metropolitan area, HIP Health Plan of New York, to bring life-saving information about the importance of risk assessment, early detection, self-exams, treatment options, and other services to a public setting in New York.
"With over 12,000 New York women diagnosed with breast cancer a year, and more than 11,000 New York men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, this is one way we can reach a broad spectrum of people," says Janet M. Caldwell, AstraZeneca spokesperson. "Along with the support of HIP Health Plan of New York, we hope to reinforce the awareness and educational outreach efforts of the local cancer advocacy organizations."
In a special opening ceremony, Spirit Awards will be given to several cancer advocacy organizations in recognition of their dedication to cancer awareness. Advocacy and Health organizations participating in this event include: Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program; The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - Greater New York City Affiliate; Anne's Place; The Home of I Can; 1 in 9 - The Long Island Breast Cancer Coalition; CancerCare, Inc.; The Maurer Foundation; American-Italian Cancer Foundation; Babylon Breast Cancer Foundation; Long Island Diagnostic; Nassau Radiological Group; Malecare; NCCN; SHARE; and Support Connection.
There will be plenty of action off the field at Shea Stadium, too. National and local cancer awareness groups will set up information stations in the stadium corridors where fans can learn about breast and prostate cancer screenings, risk assessment, self-exams, prevention, detection, mammographies and more. The U.S. Postal Service will also set up stations where game-goers can purchase the Breast Cancer Awareness Stamp.
"HIP Health Plan of New York is proud to participate in a program to bring heightened awareness to the importance of early detection and prevention of breast and prostate cancer," said Daniel T. McGowan, President and COO.
Nationally, more than 180,000 new cases of breast cancer and 198,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year. Early detection and treatment dramatically increases patient survival rates.
"The AstraZeneca/HIP Health Plan of New York Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Night at Shea Stadium will be a tremendous help in raising awareness about the importance of early detection through recommended screening procedures, as well as knowledge of treatment options for both breast and prostate cancer," says Diane Blum, Executive Director, CancerCare, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides free professional services to people with all types of cancer.
For more information about cancer and treatment options visit
http://www.astrazeneca-us.com .
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription)
pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five
pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of $15.8 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anesthesia (including pain management), cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. In the United States, AstraZeneca is an $8 billion healthcare business with more than 10,000 employees.
For more information about AstraZeneca please visit
http://www.astrazeneca-us.com.
About HIP
With almost 800,000 members, HIP Health Plan of New York is the largest HMO in the New York metropolitan area. HIP provides access to care in a variety of ways. Members can go to doctors organized and practicing in medical groups. They can go to doctors associated with Hospitals, including Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Luke-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Lenox Hill Community Medical Group, and Montefiore Medical Center. HIP members can also go to HIP’s network of 15,000 private doctors who work out of their offices in 25,000 neighborhood locations. Our members also have access to care to more than 100 participating hospitals, including those named above and such other outstanding institutions as Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital.
For more information about HIP please visit http://www.hipusa.com.
