Established in 1998, YSC was the first nonprofit organization to focus exclusively on the unique needs of young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Each year, approximately 70,000 men and women ages 15 to 39 are diagnosed with cancer in the United States, and breast cancer accounts for roughly 15 percent of all cancers in this age group.

The multifaceted Rheem Chasing the Cure program featured special pink and black paint schemes on the No. 29 Rheem Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series® and the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series®, a video contest for Rheem Racing Facebook fans, Rheem Chasing the Cure themed merchandise — including an exclusive silk scarf designed in YSC’s colors, and more.

“The women and men of Rheem are pleased to use our partnerships with Richard Childress, Eddie Sharp, and their fine organizations to support the valuable work of YSC. Through the efforts of YSC and those of so many other worthwhile organizations, we are confident that the chase for a breast cancer cure will have an eventual happy ending,” said Ed Raniszeski, corporate director, strategic relations, Rheem.

Proceeds from Rheem Chasing the Cure merchandise sales will be donated to YSC.

“YSC feels honored to partner with Rheem on its Chasing the Cure program,” said Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO of Young Survival Coalition. “We are grateful for the commitment Rheem, RCR, and ESR have shown to the quarter of a million women living in the U.S. today who were diagnosed before their 41st birthday and to raising awareness among NASCAR’s fans and the greater general public that young women can and do get breast cancer.”

In addition, Rheem employees will be fully engaged with the Chasing the Cure program through an employee photo contest, open to Rheem employees and their immediate family members, and fundraising activities. For more information on the Rheem Chasing the Cure program, visit www.facebook.com/rheemracing.

Publication date: 11/5/2012