LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. –The Washington Redskins will host several initiatives throughout October in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year's ZTA THINK-PINK!® campaign, as part of the organization's long-standing commitment to increasing breast cancer awareness and research. Kicking off the month, the Redskins Breast Cancer Awareness game presented by Inova Schar Cancer Institute will be hosted at FedExField on Sunday, Oct. 6 vs. the New England Patriots. Gameday elements include a Think Pink suite for breast cancer survivors and their guests, a Crucial Catch photo experience with Redskins alumni, pink awareness cards to show support for loved ones affected by breast cancer and an on-field survivor recognition ceremony.
An early participant in the Breast Cancer Awareness Month movement, Tanya Snyder helped introduce the THINK-PINK!® campaign to the NFL 21 years ago, by passing out 8,000 handmade pink ribbons at FedExField to remind fans that early detection saves lives. Since then, her passion for the cause has expanded across the NFL and has grown to a league-wide movement each October. Together with THINK-PINK!®, the Redskins organization has mobilized more than 28,000 volunteers, pinned more than 9 million pink ribbons, and touched countless lives.
"To see the initiative grow from such humble beginnings at FedExField to an annual nationwide movement across the entire professional sports industry has been remarkable," said Tanya Snyder, breast cancer survivor and wife of Redskins owner, Daniel Snyder. "This movement embodies the sense of fellowship and sisterhood that exists in the breast cancer community and I am honored to be an advocate in it."
Beginning Oct. 2, fans can join the Washington Redskins in promoting breast cancer awareness via social media by installing a Facebook frame to virtually "pin" their profile photo. Fans are also encouraged to visit www.redskins.com/thinkpink to learn more about the importance of annual screenings and resources available through the Inova Schar Cancer Institute.
Throughout the month of October, fans will be able to show their Redskins pride and support breast cancer charities by purchasing a limited-edition Burgundy, Gold and Pink T-shirt. Net proceeds will benefit the ZTA Foundation and the Brem Foundation, which is dedicated to educating women about risk factors and screening options and providing access to critical diagnostic tests for uninsured women. T-shirts are available for purchase online at www.redskins.com/thinkpink and will be sold in-stadium on Sunday, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20 while supplies last throughout the main concourse and club level.
Fans attending the Oct. 6 game will be welcomed by Mrs. Snyder and hundreds of Zeta Tau Alpha members distributing THINK-PINK!® ribbons and breast cancer awareness educational materials. Women of Washington (WOW) and Mrs. Snyder will also welcome the Redskins Charitable Foundation's All-Stars, 30 women currently battling breast cancer, along with WOW members and breast cancer survivors, in a special pink-themed tailgate party. WOW will also be featuring members throughout the month of October on the group's website and social channels to celebrate and remember our brave sisters and friends that have been warriors in breast cancer.
Mrs. Snyder and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, will host the 12th annual All-Star Survivors Celebration at the Inova Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
The All-Star Survivors Celebration will pamper, support and celebrate 30 area women currently battling breast cancer. During the event, the breast cancer survivors, or "All-Stars," will receive new jeans donated by Gap Inc., custom Color Bar jewelry donated by Kendra Scott, spa services courtesy of Red Door Salon and Spa, lashes and nails put on by the First Ladies of Football, commemorative pink hair extensions, wigs, scarves and a Redskins gift bag. All-Stars will be treated to lunch, makeup consultations, massages and a behind the scenes tour of Redskins Park from Redskins players.
WOW will also host a sip and paint class on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Founding Farmers at Reston Station in Reston, VA. Tickets are $30 with proceeds going to the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation's THINK-PINK!® initiative.
The Redskins breast cancer awareness campaign is part of the NFL's A Crucial Catch initiative. Any questions regarding the Redskins breast cancer awareness campaign or Mrs. Snyder's breast cancer initiatives should be directed to Jessie Johnson of Redskins Public Relations at 703-726-7077 or johnsonj@redskins.com.
