Build Teams and Fight Back with the American Cancer Society

Submitted by: Jennifer Bachman, Corporate Relations Specialist, American Cancer Society

Businesses that are actively engaged in giving back to their local communities consistently report higher employee satisfaction and increased productivity. More importantly, being a good corporate citizen helps non-profit organizations better achieve their goals through their employee involvement and support.

The American Cancer Society would like to invite Philadelphia area businesses and their employees to join us in the fight against cancer. Unfortunately, breast cancer is a disease that affects too many women in our lives. To speed the day toward a cancer-free world, will be holding the 10th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, October 11, 2009. Over 6,000 walkers are expected, and we are counting on the support of Philadelphia businesses to make the event a success.

Cancer’s toll on the workplace is staggering, with an estimated total cost of more than $219 billion per year in health care expenses and lost productivity. An estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2009. In today’s economic climate, the health and morale of your employees has never been more important. By teaming up with the American Cancer Society you can lead the way in employee wellness and community involvement.

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a five-mile, non-competitive walk that begins at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and continues down scenic West River Drive. Making Strides is an opportunity for your company to honor breast cancer survivors, educate women about prevention and early detection, and raise funds and awareness to help us achieve a day without breast cancer. It is also a chance to stand out as a community leader and responsible corporate citizen. Forming a team is an easy way for your employees to bond and work together for a great cause. Last year, walkers raised $400,000. This year you and your employees can be part of the effort to raise even more.

Every dollar raised is a step closer to making a world without cancer a reality. To learn more about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Philadelphia, or to form a team contact Jennifer Bachman at 215.985.5367 or jennifer.bachman@cancer.org. For more information on other American Cancer Society programs and services, visit www.acsworkplacesolutions.com.