FOX Sportscaster Ken Rosenthal and Baltimore Orioles Mascot Don LUNGevity Bow Ties in Tribute to Late Orioles PR Director Monica Barlow

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When the St. Louis Cardinals play the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards this Saturday, August 9, FOX sportscaster Ken Rosenthal will be wearing a special LUNGevity Foundation bow tie in honor of good friend and fellow MLB baseball aficionado, Orioles PR Director Monica Barlow, who died of lung cancer this year.  When his broadcast begins at 4PM EDT on Saturday, he will not be alone in wearing the LUNGevity bow tie.  Saddened by the loss of one of their own, the Baltimore Orioles have also become involved in raising awareness of lung cancer. Beloved Baltimore mascot, The Oriole Bird, will join Rosenthal with a classy LUNGevity bowtie around his neck.

At the young age of 36, Orioles PR Director Monica Barlow died of lung cancer.  A non-smoker, Monica discovered her disease when she approached her doctor about a relentless cough in the midst of her half marathon training. With the help of surgical procedures and new medical treatments, Monica was able to add years to her life.  She served as a spokesperson for LUNGevity Foundation in support of lung cancer research, including the critical need for early detection technologies and personalized treatments like those that extended her life.  This February, Monica lost her fight against the disease, but the Baltimore Orioles and Ken Rosenthal have picked up the torch in continuation of her commitment to raise awareness of the disease. In addition to the bow ties, on September 20, the Orioles will host the LUNGevity Foundation's Breathe Deep Baltimore, a 5k walk to raise funds and awareness for lung cancer in memory of Monica.

"Working with the Baltimore baseball community to raise awareness of lung cancer in Monica's memory has been an inspiring experience," said Andrea Ferris, president and chairman of LUNGevity. "With the support of the Orioles and Ken Rosenthal, as well as individuals across the nation, we continue to fund vital, life-extending research into early detection technology and innovative treatment.  Together, we can take the first steps toward a world where no one dies of lung cancer."

The LUNGevity Foundation bow ties were made by BowTie Cause, a social responsibility organization that helps raise awareness for important causes.  Thus far, BowTie Cause has connected with 109 organizations across the nation, and has produced a total of 144 uniquely designed BowTies. By using bow ties, BowTie Cause has provided a range of organizations a fashionable and intriguing way to start an important conversation.

To join the movement and purchase a LUNGevity bow tie, visit http://bowtiecause.com/product/lungevity.

For more information on LUNGevity Foundation, please visit www.LUNGevity.org.

About Lung Cancer

• 1 in 14 Americans is diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime
• More than 224,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year
• About 60% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers
• Lung cancer kills more people than the next three cancers (colorectal, breast, and pancreatic, combined
• Only 17% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it's caught before it spreads, the chance for 5-year survival improves dramatically

About LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity Foundation is firmly committed to making an immediate impact on increasing quality of life and survivorship of people with lung cancer by accelerating research into early detection and more effective treatments, as well as by providing community, support, and education for all those affected by the disease. Our vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer. For more information about LUNGevity Foundation, please visit www.LUNGevity.org.

SOURCE LUNGevity Foundation