Ford Uses 'Best Defense' to Fight Breast Cancer
12 April 1999
Ford Uses 'Best Defense' to Fight Breast Cancer DEARBORN, Mich., April 12 -- The actresses from the ABC drama
"The Practice" have joined forces with Ford Division to fight breast cancer.
The team of women who play the lead attorneys on the hit TV show are featured
in a special insert titled, "The Best Defense," appearing in May issues of
five Conde Nast women's magazines.
More than 25 million readers of VOGUE, Mademoiselle, Glamour, Self and
Women's Sports & Fitness will see the six-page insert. It is the latest step
in Ford's ongoing campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer and educate
women to take charge of their health.
Insert includes open discussion, race schedule, postcards and essay
contest
The insert features a candid discussion among actresses Lara Flynn Boyle,
Lisa Gay Hamilton, Camryn Manheim, Marla Sokoloff and Kelli Williams about
their concerns, fears and experiences with breast cancer. The actresses offer
an important reminder to all women that self-exams, clinical breast exams and
mammograms save lives.
Included in the insert is information about the Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure(R), the nation's largest series of 5K
fitness runs and walks across the country that raise awareness and money for
breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. Ford is a
national sponsor of Komen Race for the Cure(R). A total of 98 races are
scheduled for 1999.
The insert also invites readers to submit essays about the women in their
lives who have shown courage in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Selected essays will appear on the Ford Division website
(http://www.fordvehicles.com/FordForce), and one essayist and a guest will be flown
to New York City to participate in the September 19th Komen Race for the
Cure(R).
Also included in the insert is a series of four perforated postcards that
readers are encouraged to mail to family and friends. Three cards urge people
to register for the Komen Race for the Cure(R) when it comes to their
communities; and one card encourages women to do regular self-examinations,
have clinical breast exams, and talk to their doctor about scheduling a
mammogram.
"The Best Defense" insert is the fourth in a series of special breast
cancer supplements sponsored by Ford and Conde Nast since 1998. Prior inserts
featured breast cancer survivors Olivia Newton-John and Peggy Fleming.
Ford fights breast cancer for fifth consecutive year
"This is the fifth year Ford has been actively involved in raising
awareness of breast cancer through its support of the Komen Race for the
Cure(R)," explained Ford Division Marketing Communications Manager Jan Klug.
"And the company's commitment continues to grow through advertising and
sponsorship efforts, and the growing involvement of our dealers across the
country. More than 2,300 Ford dealers now support the Race. They are truly
dedicated to this cause, as is the company."
In addition to its national sponsorship of the Komen Race for the Cure(R)
series and special inserts in Conde Nast publications, Ford Division's 1998
breast cancer campaign included: underwriting a special report in People
magazine on celebrity breast cancer; and a series of public service
announcements and print pieces targeted to the Hispanic market featuring
top-rated Spanish-language TV talk show host, Cristina Saralegui.
Last year, Ford Division and its dealers supported the Komen Race for the
Cure(R) with more than $10 million in sponsorships and media support.
Additional support included sales events, giveaways, the use of Ford vehicles
at races, and hosting events for survivors.
Ford Force unites people to fight breast cancer
Last year, Ford Division created the Ford Force to unite people in the
fight against breast cancer. At each event across the country, runners and
walkers are asked to join the Ford Force to show their dedication to this
cause. Those who register are given a complimentary Ford Force bandanna to
wear as a symbol of courage, cooperation and commitment to fighting breast
cancer.
"The Ford Force bandannas are a visual reminder that in the race for
wellness, we're all in it together," Klug explained. "We've also found a fun
way to thank people for their continuing support. All participants that sign
up as official members of the Ford Force are entered to win a two-year Red
Carpet Lease on a 2000 model year Ford vehicle of their choice."
Komen Foundation
The Komen Foundation was established by Nancy Brinker in 1982 to honor the
memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age
of 36. The Foundation is a national organization of volunteers working
through 106 local affiliates and Komen Race for the Cure(R) events fighting to
eradicate breast cancer. It is the nation's largest private source of funding
for breast cancer research and education programs.
