Under Armour, Howard County General, Others Step Up In Tough Times to Support Red Devils June 14 Heart and Sole Stroll Registration Underway, Online

On your mark, get set and gear up in advance for the 10:00 a.m. (register at 9:00 a.m.) Sunday, June 14 Heart and Sole Stroll, a benefit for Maryland breast cancer patients and their families. Prep for the 2.4 mile walk at Centennial Lake in Columbia, MD, by registering early on-line right now and lining up pledges from loved ones, friends and co-workers to support this seventh annual fundraiser organized by The Red Devils, a group that has appeared in Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine and now services the Washington, D.C. area with the help of a national Komen grant. Visit www.heartandsolestroll.org

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) May 12, 2009 -- Tough times call for a tougher resolve to raise capital for charities such as The Red Devils, a nonprofit organization that funds services to improve the quality of life for Maryland breast cancer patients and their families. That call has been answered by corporations and institutions which still believe in the benefits of "giving back" despite the economic bust.

"Our biggest fundraiser of the year is the annual Heart and Sole Stroll held this spring on Sunday, June 14. We hope to raise $130,000. More than 25 percent of our operating budget comes from the monies raised on this one day, so it's absolutely crucial it be a success," says The Red Devils Executive Director Jan Wilson.

Under Armour® is this year's Presenting Sponsor of the Stroll at Centennial Park in Columbia, MD at 10:00 a.m. The performance apparel, footwear and accessories of the Maryland-based manufacturer are worn by athletes worldwide.

"This is Under Armour's first year and we're really proud to be associated with this brand and the fact they selected us for their support," said 2009 Stroll co-captain Stephanie Inglis. "We are equally grateful that we've retained our very first sponsor, Howard County General Hospital, which has been with us from day one in a very visible way, giving support in both dollars and fielding a team of strollers from amongst the hospital ranks, from top docs to former and current patients."

Founded in 1996 by former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank, Under Armour® is the originator of performance apparel and gear engineered to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout. The technology behind Under Armour's® diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear® when it's hot, ColdGear® when it's cold, and AllSeasonGear® between the extremes.

Other notable sponsors this year include Aegon Transamerica Foundation, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC); Harbor Hospital, part of the MedStar Health network; Good Samaritan Hospital; and the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Center at GBMC. Baltimore media partners are MIX 106.5 Radio (WWMX-FM), whose on-air morning show personality "JoJo" will again emcee the event, as well as SmartWoman Online.

"Howard County General Hospital is very proud to have been the first hospital partner of the Red Devils," says Victor A. Broccolino, president and CEO of Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. "The services that the Red Devils provide to breast cancer patients and their families are invaluable during the difficult time of diagnosis and treatment. The support is even more important during these difficult economic times, which is why we are as committed as ever to supporting the Red Devils' mission and we strongly encourage others to lend their support as well."

Recently The Red Devils received a $150,000 grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The grant is the single largest received in the history of the organization and in part helped fund The Red Devils expansion early this year into the D.C. suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.

Now in its seventh year, the Heart and Sole Stroll is the signature event of The Red Devils, formed in 2002 by the families and friends of Jessica Cowling and Ginny Schardt, who succumbed to breast cancer that same year, a month apart. The two had met during chemotherapy treatment and were fortunate to have a superior support network.

Board and founding member Rebecca Berger, Jessica's close friend, says that "We wanted other people who didn't have that same level of help to know that someone out there cared very much whether they lived, and that there was a good quality-of-life to their existence. Our assistance is not based on economic need, but on the toll breast cancer takes not just on the patient, but her circle of friends and family who also are devastated by this disease."

Through a provider network, The Red Devils fund services such as transportation to and from doctor appointments; help with drug co-payments; meals and groceries; housecleaning; and therapeutic massages.

On-line registration for the Stroll is underway now. Day-of registration is at 9:00 a.m. with the walk set to begin at 10:00 a.m. More than 600 strollers turned out last year and organizers hope to exceed that number this June. Individual registration for the Heart and Sole Stroll is $35; a family registration is $70. Everyone - including family pets - is welcome to participate in this non-competitive walk held "rain or shine" on June 14.

Says Wilson, "Our goal this year is to raise $130,000. Every dollar you raise gets us closer and helps fund essential support services for breast cancer patients and their families. Here's how we'll put the money you raise to good use. $50 will help pay for one roundtrip ride for treatment. $75 will cover one house cleaning. $100 will help provide meals and groceries for a family for one week. $300 will help pay a patient's prescription drug co-payments. In addition to enjoying the 2.4 mile walk around Centennial Lake in Columbia, you'll be entertained in the Strollers Village, have an opportunity to meet representatives from our partner hospitals and sponsors, and enjoy a picnic with friends and family to celebrate your achievement.

"Pack a cooler; grills are available. And If you are a breast cancer survivor, stop by the Survivor Tent for a special gift. Awards and prizes will be given to outstanding individual, family, and team fund raisers. You could be a winner if you get started early. Don't delay. Register or make a donation today."

For more information about the Heart and Sole Stroll, visit the special stroll web site at www.heartandsolestroll.org or call The Red Devils headquarters at 410-323-0135.

A reminder: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Global Race for the Cure takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2009 in Washington D.C. Proceeds of the race help fund programs like The Red Devils.

Media Contact:

Liz Chuday, 410-464-1100 or liz (at) the-red-devils (dot) org

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