John Wayne Cancer Foundation Launches 2017 ‘Show Your Grit’ Campaign

In In The News by Barbara Jacoby

National social media initiative set to again raise funds and create awareness in the fight for a cure

John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF), whose mission is to is to bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer, today announces the launch of its ‘Show Your Grit’ campaign, which will run June 1-30, 2017. The initiative, now in its second year, is meant to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s programs by inviting people to share their cancer stories and grit-inspired photos to social media with the hashtag #ShowYourGrit. Last year the campaign reached over 15 million people and 2017’s program is poised to build on that momentum.

This year, JWCF is expanding the movement by partnering with campaign ambassadors who will take to social media throughout the month of June to share their cancer story, challenge their followers to get involved, and help raise money to find a cure. Ambassadors include Olympic Medalists Shannon Miller and Summer Sanders, country trio Runaway June, author Garth Callaghan, 2015 IHRA Pro Mod World Champion Dina Parise, IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe, Butler University’s Tripp the Bulldog, and more. By sharing their experiences, these ambassadors are showcasing the resilience, perseverance, and power of so many who are fighting back against this disease.

“My father showed tremendous courage, strength, and grit throughout his life, and never more so than during his battle with cancer,” said Ethan Wayne, chairman of JWCF. This campaign is a way for us to honor that legacy and celebrate others like him who have fought cancer with GRIT. We look forward to another year of creating awareness and raising funds while working together to find a cure.”

Individuals who wish to participate in the campaign are encouraged to post a John Wayne-inspired selfie to social media using the #ShowYourGrit hashtag in honor or memory of a loved one who has or is currently battling cancer. Participants can also get involved by challenging friends to create their own posts or donating directly to the cause. Key corporate partners include Integrated Oncology Network, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Duke Spirits. All money raised will work to support innovative programs funded by JWCF that help improve cancer patients’ outcomes. The hope is that anyone whose life has been touched by cancer will take part in this campaign to show support for those who are currently battling this terrible disease and to bring us one step closer to a cure.

For information about the campaign, follow JWCF on Facebook. To learn more about John Wayne Cancer Foundation, visit www.johnwayne.org, and to donate, visit www.showyourgrit.org.

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About John Wayne Cancer Foundation

Founded in 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was created in honor of John Wayne after his family promised to use his name to continue his fight against cancer. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation’s mission is to bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer. The foundation serves to fund novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients’ outcomes and helps save lives through research, education, awareness and support. Fight cancer with GRIT at www.johnwayne.org.