World Series Game 3 Dedicated to Cancer Research

October 30, 2009

Today's World Series game is dedicated to cancer research, with donations from Major League Baseball (MLB) and MasterCard Worldwide that will benefit Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a charitable initiative supporting groundbreaking cancer research. The AACR is the scientific partner of SU2C. MasterCard will donate $1,000 to SU2C for every home run hit in the post season and $1 million if a ball hits the "Hit It Here" sign.

MasterCard and MLB will also air a "Stand Up To Cancer: Priceless" public service announcement during the game. This live in-stadium and televised event is the first time the credit card company is supporting a non-profit effort through its iconic ad campaign. The spot, produced by SU2C founding member Laura Ziskin, will celebrate the powerful emotions of baseball. Fans in the stadium and the viewing audience will be asked to "stand up" to cancer in the live conclusion of the 30-second piece.

"Collaboration is central to Stand Up To Cancer, whether it's within the teams of scientists whose work we fund, in the extraordinary partnerships we have among the people and companies that make up the entertainment community, or in our remarkable relationships with MLB and other generous donors," said Ziskin. "We're utilizing all these resources to build a movement of people excited about helping researchers who are on the cusp of major breakthroughs, but need additional funding.

"The World Series is a major cultural touchstone," Ziskin continued. "To be able to heighten awareness about the importance of supporting cutting-edge cancer research during the World Series, through one of the world's largest, most recognizable and award-winning advertising campaigns, is in one word - priceless. We are enormously grateful to MLB and MasterCard."

In May, SU2C awarded $73.6 million in three-year grants to its first five Dream Team collaborations, comprised of more than 200 researchers from more than 20 leading institutions. On behalf of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR is responsible for administering the grants, which includes distributing the funds to the institutions selected, developing methods of reporting and - in conjunction with the SU2C Scientific Advisory Committee - providing scientific oversight.

Stand Up To Cancer's next round of funding is slated to be announced in November.