Former NFL Stars Team Up to Beat Lung Cancer at the 8th Annual Lung Cancer: Drive it off the Earth Charity Golf Tournament

SAN CARLOS, Calif., June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former NFL stars Hank Baskett and Chris Draft are joining hundreds of lung cancer supporters at the 8^th Annual "Lung Cancer: Drive It Off the Earth" Golf Tournament hosted by the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (LCF). The LCF invites you to be part of this event and help surpass last year's fundraising goals. The tournament will take place on Monday, June 10, 2013 at Green Hills Country Club in Millbrae, Calif.

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"Lung cancer affects everyone regardless of their social status, age, race or gender," said Bonnie J. Addario, stage 3B lung cancer survivor and Founder of the LCF. "In the last 45 years, 50 million people worldwide have died from lung cancer and we can't just sit back and let this continue. This tournament will raise much-needed awareness and funds for medical treatments and studies for lung cancer patients everywhere."

Lung cancer hits home for both Baskett and Draft, as it does for millions of others worldwide. Baskett, who played five years in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles, is helping his father battle the disease.  When Baskett's father was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011 he struggled with treatment.  After Hank was introduced to the LCF two years ago, they put him in touch with Dr. Ross Camidge of the University of Colorado, who was able to put Baskett's father on a personalized treatment. Baskett's father responded well to the treatment almost immediately and is living a full life today. Baskett recently hosted his own charity golf tournament in Rancho Palos Verdes and is committed to working with LCF to end this disease.

Draft played 12 years in the NFL for the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams and the Buffalo Bills. Draft lost his wife, who never smoked, to the disease last year and has been working with the LCF and Baskett to raise awareness about the leading cancer killer in the U.S.

"We are excited to have Hank and Chris back again this year," Addario said. "They are making bold statements against lung cancer on behalf of those affected by the disease, and they are demonstrating a passion for the LCF's goal to help turn lung cancer into a manageable, survivable disease."

Whether on the football field, the golf course or in real life, Baskett and Draft are fighting to raise funds for research and are setting good examples for lung cancer patients in all stages. Golfers and supporters are encouraged to join them on the private, Dr. Alister MacKenzie-designed championship 18-hole course. They will also enjoy a fabulous day of blackjack, margaritas, putting contests, prizes, raffles, auctions and an amazing homemade BBQ buffet dinner.

The awareness generated by this golf tournament can't come at a more crucial time. In 2013 alone, an estimated 228,190 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. And the American Cancer Society also estimates 159,480 Americans will die from the disease this year. 

The facts about Lung Cancer cannot continue to go unnoticed:

• Every day 450 more die, 19 every hour and one every three minutes will die in the US and 1.4 million worldwide every year.
• It is the leading cancer killer in every ethnic group, and since 1987 lung cancer has killed more women every year than breast cancer.
• Yet the five-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 15.7 percent, and it has remained unchanged for more than 40 years.
• This staggering loss of life has gone unnoticed too long, and the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation is on a mission to change that.
• The LCF funds clinical research that leads to life-saving discoveries and treatments and provides critical support services and educational programs to empower patients, power progress and create hope. 

For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected] or call (415) 821-9693.

About the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation
The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies (patient-founded, patient-focused, and patient-driven) devoted exclusively to eradicating Lung Cancer through research, education, early detection, genetic testing, drug discovery and patient-focused outcomes. The Foundation works with a diverse group of physicians, organizations, industry partners, individuals, survivors, and their families to identify solutions and make timely and meaningful change.  BJALCF was established on March 1, 2006 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and has raised more than $10 million for lung cancer research. To learn more, please visit www.lungcancerfoundation.org.

About The Chris Draft Family Foundation and Team Draft
The Chris Draft Family Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering families to live healthy lifestyles. The Foundation focuses on several initiatives with overarching themes that stress the importance of education, healthy lifestyles, character development, personal responsibility, self-discipline, and physical fitness. To learn more about the Chris Draft Family Foundation, please visit www.chrisdraftfamilyfoundation.org.

SOURCE Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation

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