|
|
 |
The Tug McGraw Foundation Announces 2007 Award Recipients
Anheuser-Busch Companies and American Airlines Sponsor Third Annual Gala to Honor Heroes in the Fight Against Brain Tumors
Napa, CA Oct. 16, 2007 - - The Tug McGraw Foundation (TMF), which supports research to improve quality of life for brain tumor patients and their families, will honor individuals who have made a difference in the fight against brain tumors during “Denim & Diamonds: An Evening with Tim McGraw and Friends” on Friday, Nov. 2 at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, Mo. American Airlines joins Anheuser-Busch Companies in sponsoring the event, which will feature performances by Tim McGraw, GRAMMY® Award-winning country musician and TMF honorary chairman, his band, the Dancehall Doctors, and fellow recording artists Lori McKenna, Halfway to Hazard and Lance Miller. Brain tumor survivor, David M. Bailey, also will give a special performance. Bob Costas, Emmy® Award-winning sports commentator, will recognize brain tumor survivors who exemplify baseball legend Tug McGraw’s “Ya Gotta Believe” spirit with 2007 Good Guy Awards:
- Bobby Murcer, a major league baseball veteran and an Emmy ® Award-winning sportscaster, currently with the New York Yankees YES Network, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in December 2006. His grace and courage continue to motivate the brain tumor community and many more Americans in their battle against this terrible condition.
- Samuel J. Hassenbusch, M.D., Ph.D., a neurosurgeon at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, whose unique perspective comes not only from his impressive medical background but also from his own experience as a brain tumor survivor since 2005. His enthusiasm – for everything from raising brain tumor awareness and research funds to continuing to ride his motorcycle to work everyday – reinforce his commitment to educating and inspiring others.
- Matt Lawson, a standout center fielder and inspirational captain of the University of California – San Diego baseball team, who recently led his team to the NCAA Division II baseball finals after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006. His strength and courage in the face of that disease have made him a role model for his teammates, coaches and all who meet him.
John Sampson, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of surgery in the Division of Neurosurgery at Duke University Medical Center and associate deputy director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, will be honored as 2007 Researcher of the Year. He has made significant contributions to immunotherapy and vaccine research for newly diagnosed or recurrent primary or metastatic brain tumors.
Arlene Roselli of New York will be honored with the first ever Caregiver of the Year Award. She faced fear and tragedy with strength and courage that sustained her entire family when shortly after her husband John was diagnosed with a stage IV brain tumor Arlene was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her spirit and determination made her a “pillar of strength” for her family as she cared for her husband and battled her own disease.
The Caregiver of the Year Award has been added this year to honor those who are often considered ‘unsung heroes’. “Each year, we receive hundreds of letters from patients describing their gratitude for the person who helped care for them,“ said Jennifer Brusstar, TMF president and CEO. Brusstar, who helped care for Frank Edwin “Tug” McGraw, legendary New York Mets (1965-1974) and Philadelphia Phillies (1975-1984) left-handed relief pitcher, worked with him to establish the foundation before his death from a brain tumor in 2004. She added, “Brain tumor survivors and their caregivers face very difficult physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual challenges. It is important to recognize those who have overcome these hurdles, as well as those who have helped along the way. Tug was a fighter, and these amazing individuals carry on his fighting spirit.”
Individual tickets for the gala dinner and entertainment/awards program are $1,000. Tickets that include the gala dinner, program and exclusive VIP party, Cocktails & Clydesdales at the Busch family estate home with Tim McGraw and friends, are $2,500. For tickets and/or more information: www.tugmcgraw.org or (707) 255-1884. Proceeds from the event will benefit TMF’s support of pioneering brain tumor research focusing on quality of life issues, medical internship and college scholarship programs, and activities promoting public awareness and understanding of brain tumors.
About the Tug McGraw Foundation
Tug McGraw Foundation (TMF) supports the Tug McGraw Center for Neuro-Oncology Quality of Life Research at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C. The Foundation awards research grants specifically focused on enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with brain tumors, and their caregivers, by addressing the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual impact of the disease. TMF also supports the Diamond 45 Scholarship Program for college students across the country, the Tug McGraw Pre-Medical Internship at Duke, and the Tim McGraw Medical Education Scholarship for female student athletes attending Duke University Medical School. TMF is committed to
strengthening collaborations and alliances among brain tumor organizations to best serve patients and their caregivers, and to successfully advance research efforts.
About the Gala Event Sponsors
Anheuser-Busch Companies’ operations and resources are focused on adding to life's enjoyment not only through the responsible consumption of beer by adults, but through theme park entertainment and packaging. Anheuser-Busch Inc. is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.4 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50-percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer, and a 27-percent share in China brewer Tsingtao, whose namesake beer brand is the country’s best-selling premium beer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine’s Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2007. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world’s largest recyclers of aluminum cans. Anheuser-Busch also has interests in malt production, rice milling, real estate development, turf farming, metalized and paper label printing, bottle production and transportation services.
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, the AmericanConnection® airlines, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Interviews are available upon request. A Press Briefing will be held on Friday, Nov. 2 at 4:45 p.m. at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, Mo. Advance registration and press credentials are required. DEADLINE FOR PRESS REGISTRATION IS OCTOBER 22.
- For interview inquiries, press credentialing and advance media registration, contact:
|
 |
