FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (July 29, 2010) - The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will give special focus in 2010 to increasing cancer awareness, publicizing methods of prevention and helping fund research to find cures for the deadly group of diseases. To kick off the season-long initiative, the Foundation will host a Cancer Awareness Week at Patriots Training Camp presented by UnitedHealthcare.
Throughout the week of August 1, Foundation partners will distribute information and host events to educate fans attending Training Camp about common cancers.
Monday, August 2 - Multiple Myeloma Awareness
During the morning practice session, the foundation will host the Patriots Platelet Pedalers, a group that annually rides in the Pan-Mass Challenge charity bicycle ride to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Last year, the Patriots Platelet Pedalers fielded the largest team of riders in the Pan-Mass Challenge by more than 40 riders and raised nearly $800,000. This year, the team will consist of 135 riders, 15 of whom will be attending Monday's morning practice.
During the evening practice (which is open only to season ticket holders), The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will be on-site distributing information pertaining to blood and platelet donations, as well as helping fans sign up to become donors.
Additionally, the Foundation will host 60 patients and families of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute during the in-stadium practice session Monday evening.
Tuesday, August 3 - Prostate Cancer Awareness
During the afternoon practice, The Boston Prostate Cancer Walk, a project of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Cancer Center and winner of the 2009 Patriots Community MVP Award, will be on-site to distribute information pertaining to prostate cancer.
Wednesday, August 4 - Skin Cancer Awareness
The American Academy of Dermatology will be on-site during both practice sessions distributing information about skin cancer and will conduct free skin cancer screenings from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, August 5 - Breast Cancer Awareness
Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be at both training camp practice sessions providing information pertaining to breast cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology will also be on-site distributing information, as well as conducting free skin cancer screenings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, August 6 - Ovarian Cancer Awareness
The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center will distribute information about ovarian cancer at both training camp practices. Patients and families from MGH will be hosted in the foundation's tent at training camp throughout the day.
Throughout Patriots Training Camp, the Caitlin Raymond International Registry will be on-site during every open practice to educate fans about the importance of donating bone marrow or blood stem cells. They will also help fans complete the quick process of joining the bone marrow donor registry.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the nonprofit organization established by the Kraft family in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England. This support comes in the form of direct grants and the donation of signed memorabilia to charitable causes, as well as from Patriots players who offer their support by appearing at charity functions throughout the year. The foundation's primary goal is to support programs that aid the youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health. For more information about the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, please visit www.patriots.com/community.
