Atlanta Blaze and Major League Lacrosse Partner with American Cancer Society
February 17, 2017 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
KENNESAW - February is National Cancer Prevention Month, which aims to promote awareness of preventable Cancer. By eating healthy, being active, and not smoking the American Cancer Society says that many cancer cases can be prevented[i]. In efforts of raising awareness for a disease that claimed over 500,000 American lives in 2016[ii], the MLL has announced a partnership with the American Cancer Society which will begin in the 2017 season. The Atlanta Blaze will partner with ACS for their May 13th game against the New York Lizards and has elected two ACS Ambassadors, Scott Ratliff and Chris Hipps, to be at the forefront of the Blaze's fight to bring awareness to this tragic disease.
The American Cancer Society has been committed to preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering due to cancer since its inception in 1913. ACS is the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research and has spent a total of $709 million in the fight against cancer. Through research, education, advocacy, and service, ACS has been part of nearly every major cancer breakthrough over the last 100 years, and has contributed to a 25% decrease in overall US cancer death rate since 1991[iii].
The Atlanta Blaze is proud to have the opportunity to raise awareness alongside the American Cancer Society. Blaze ACS Ambassador Chris Hipps, defensemen for the Blaze, is very passionate about his role with the American Cancer Society and excited to be a part of the ACS mission in 2017. Chris said that he accepted the opportunity to become an ACS Ambassador mostly because he can see "the widespread impact that cancer has on all people." As an Ambassador, Chris said that his main role is to "lend a voice of voice of support to those with cancer and those affected by cancer", adding that "the more voices that are heard, the more effective the ACS can be in its goals and mission."
Chris added that the MLL's partnership lends a powerful voice to those affected by cancer, and that it "shows the dedication and commitment that the players, teams, and league all have to fighting cancer". Chris also added that Blaze fans can make a difference and show their solidarity for the cause by donating their time, or money, and by "stand[ing] up and speak[ing] out for those that might not have a voice".
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