Major League Baseball Remains Dedicated to Eradication of Mesothelioma and other Cancers
If you are a baseball fan, you may be aware of the official 2012 World Series Champions Film. If not, you may be interested to learn that a special component of the DVD featured Hollywood stars and baseball fans Steve Carrell, Ken Jeong and Colin Hanks speaking in a video for the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) campaign. The plug is just one of many examples of how Major League Baseball (MLB) has dedicated itself to supporting Americans who are fighting against malignant diseases, including Kazan, McClain, Satterley, Lyons, Greenwood & Oberman proudly represent.
Taking a stand for years
Professional athletes often find themselves in very privileged positions. Not only do they represent their teams’ respective cities, but they also earn the attention and admiration of adoring fans. This may be why so many baseball players decide to use their celebrity for a good cause.
For years, MLB athletes have supported cancer charities. Efforts have been localized to individual teams, such as the bowling and golf tournaments hosted by the Minnesota Twins to benefit a treatment center. There have also been projects supported by the entire league, like the Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer project.
But the real game changer happened in 2008, when baseball commissioner Bud Selig, a skin cancer survivor, announced that MLB would contribute $10 million to SU2C. This made MLB the first major sponsor to support the organization, which works to advance cancer research.
Boosting visibility in 2012
After that initial contribution in 2008, MLB has shown a real commitment to promoting the work of SU2C. During Game 1 of the 2012 World Series between the Giants and Tigers, there was a moment at AT&T Park where players on both teams, joined by more than 40,000 fans, held up a placard inscribed with the name of a loved one who had fought a battle with cancer. Among those taking a stand was Giants first base coach Kelley, whose placard bore Nelson’s name. The dedication was broadcast live to baseball fans all over the world, reminding them of the importance of supporting the research of such malignant diseases.
But the generosity of the MLB didn’t end after the World Series. During early December, the league and all 30 ball clubs participated in a charity auction to raise money for SU2C. Prizes included breakfast with Giants outfielder Hunter Pence, a private baseball lesson with San Diego Padre first base coach Dave Roberts and a Washington Nationals Draft day experience.
At closing, the auction raised more than $150,000. Since 2012, MLB’s efforts brought SU2C more than $30 million.
Other partners join MLB
Nearly all people will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives. Even if a person never develops a form of the disease, odds are he or she will know someone who is affected by malignant mesothelioma, breast cancer, leukemia and other conditions.
This may be why SU2C has no shortage of corporate partners who want to help, including Safeway, Mastercard and the Island Def Jam Music Group, which includes artists such as Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Ethridge, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood.
At Kazan Law, we also believe in standing up with our clients and their loved ones. This is why we have contributed funds to the work of prestigious scientists around the world who are developing new approaches to mesothelioma.