180 World Record Women Skydivers Take Breast Cancer Awareness To New Heights
“Jump for the Cause” Attempts New World-Record to Benefit Breast Cancer
LOS ANGELES – Skydivers from around the world will join together to set a new women’s world record in formation skydiving to raise funds for breast cancer research at City of Hope. Sponsored by Jump for the Cause (www.jumpforthecause.com), the leading nonprofit organization that organizes skydiving fundraisers, the event is being held in Perris, California from September 21- Sept 27 to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Perris Valley Skydiving Center www.skydiveperris.com is the largest in North America. This year, the 180 women who Jump for the Cause (JFTC) hope to raise a half-million dollars to help the more than 200,000 American women diagnosed in 2009, and the one in seven women around the globe who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes.
Ten planes will be used to lift the 180 women to 17,000 ft. for about 30 jumps over one week to build the new Women’s World Freefall record. For the first time, a concurrent record attempt will be launched. The first All Men’s 100-way, also to be held at Perris Valley Skydiving, will also be a fundraiser for City of Hope.
Led by Kate Cooper-Jensen, one of the foremost skydivers in the world, Jump for the Cause was founded in conjunction with Mallory Lewis, Lamb Chop’s sister, after her mother, legendary puppeteer Shari Lewis, lost her battle with cancer in 1998. JFTC was incorporated in 1999 with Brad Hood of Jump Run Productions and Tony Domenico of Square One Parachute Sales. Over a six-day period at the Women’s World Record Skydive, Lewis and participants raised more than $300,000 to fight breast cancer and set a new world’s record by joining 118 women in formation in mid-air. Subsequent events in 2002 and 2005 have raised nearly $1 million and broke the previous world record with 131 women in 2002 and 151 in 2005.
“The first year was emotional because of the tribute to mom, but every time we do this I am thrilled with the passion and commitment these women continue to show to support breast cancer research at City of Hope,” said Lewis. “This event is organized by women and performed by women to save women. The money we raise is helping to bring hope to many people around the world,” she added. “And, as always, Lamb Chop will be riding in the jumpsuit of one of our record-holders and will officially be on the record attempt. She’s the only puppet in the world to do this.” Lamb Chop’s comment was, “Weeeeeeee!”
Participants for the event include breast cancer and other cancer survivors. These women represent most of the states in America and more than 26 countries and have occupations that range from surgeons to airline pilots to safety engineers. All are passionate about the cause, because in the time it takes to skydive from leap to landing at least one woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
For more information about Jump for the Cause, log on to www.jumpforthecause.com and on twitter @jumpforthecause. The public is welcome to try the Perris Wind Tunnel or skydive with a pro. For more information please contact Mallory Lewis at 310-428-4633 or jumprun@earthlink.net. Media inquiries should go to John Tellem at Tellem Worldwide, Inc. 310-313-3444 (o) or cell 310-210-8779 (m); jtellem@tellem.com.
City of Hope is one of the world's leading research and treatment centers for cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Named by U.S.News & World Report as one of America's best medical centers for cancer treatment, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest designation bestowed by the National Cancer Institute and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. City of Hope's scientific knowledge is shared with medical centers locally and globally, helping patients battling life-threatening diseases around the corner and around the world.
Jump for the Cause Fact Sheet
What: 180 women skydivers from around the world will join together to set a new women’s world record in formation skydiving to raise funds for breast cancer research at City of Hope. Jump for the Cause (www.jumpforthecause.com) is the leading nonprofit organization that organizes skydiving fundraisers.
Where: September 21-Sept 27, Perris, CA, to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Perris Valley Skydiving Center www.skydiveperris.com.
Coordination
· 180 participants from more than 26 countries
· 50 Members of Support Crew
· 100 men on the first all men’s record attempt
· 20 recruiters
· 9 award-winning videographers
· Led by Kate Cooper-Jensen, veteran of 8,700+ jumps
· 1999 World Record Event: 118
· 2002 World Record Event: 131
· 2005 World Record Event: 151
Flight Information
· 10 jump planes
· 30-40 flights
· Altitude of jump: 17,000 feet (Participants are on oxygen beginning at 12,000 feet)
· An average jump, from leap to landing, is three to five minutes.
· A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes.
Participants
· Average Age: 37
· Approximately one million cumulative jumps by all participants
Breast Cancer Survivors
· Mary SantAngelo
· Carolyn Johnson
Note: List of countries and states represented available; photos available from previous jump.
Media Contact: John Tellem, Tellem Worldwide, Inc., 310-313-3444 (o) or 310-210-8779 (m); jtellem@tellem.com
Brit Chicks For The Cause Raffle Ticket
To buy raffle tickets online please visit www.britchicksforthecause.co.uk
'Brit Chicks for the Cause Grand Raffle 2009 - supporting Jump for the Cause'
Womens World Record Skydives - Perris Valley Skydiving, September 2009
Raising funds for Breast Cancer Research / City of Hope.
See www.jumpforthecause.com for full details.
Ticket number will be emailed to buyer and entered into grand draw for Aerodyne Icon rig, complete with Pilot / Sensei / Mamba / Triathalon main canopy and Smart reserve & Vigil AAD. Runners up prizes inclune L&B Alti-Track and 2K Composites Fuzion Helmet.
Thanks for your support.
Please note that for online sales there is a set minimum order quantity of 5 tickets.
