AMERICANWAY

American Insight CHAD WINDHAM F OR MORE THAN 30 years, Ameri- can Airlines has actively aided in the battle against breast cancer by supporting breast-cancer awareness and research. So it was simply another step in that effort when American agreed to fund a promise grant that enabled breast-cancer stud- ies at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "Obviously the goal is to cure the disease while also giving support to those who are suffering through it," says Doug Parker, American Airlines chairman and chief execu- tive officer. "Research does that. There have been many great strides, but there is more to be done, and we are happy to support those doing research." Statistics show that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. So during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, American shows its support in sev- eral ways, including its participation in races and walks. Through its annual employee-led initiative, "Be Pink," American demonstrates support visually via employees wearing pink uniform items during the month. A companywide Be Pink Day is scheduled for Oct. 15. Employees are also forming teams to raise funds while participating in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks and Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure events. Strength in Numbers American employees stand united in the fight against breast cancer. Be Pink allows American Airlines employees to show their support for a cause that's close to many. There are many ways you can join us in the fight against breast cancer, and your generosity can take you — and breast-cancer research — far. In October, give $25 or more to Miles for the Cure® and you'll earn 20 A Advantage® miles for every dollar donated. Planning more travel? Purchase a Susan G. Komen co-branded virtual gift card and enter "Komen" as the tracking code. Ten percent of your purchase will be donated to breast-cancer research. While you're traveling with us, be sure to check out the in-flight menu, as well as the menus in participating Admirals Clubs. A portion of the proceeds from select items will also ben- efit breast-cancer research. Donations through these programs are dedicated to research, performed at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, as part of the Promise Grant between American Airlines and Susan G. Komen. You can also support organizations such as Susan G. Komen, the American Cancer Society and the Red Cross by donating unused A Advantage miles to Miles of Hope®. The American Airlines Miles of Hope program provides assistance to organizations supporting individuals, children and families who have expe- rienced unexpected adversity. Throughout the year, American Airlines is proud to support Be Pink and other causes that are important to our employees and to you, our customers. To learn more about Be Pink and how you can take part in the fight against breast cancer, visit aa.com/bepink. Every Contribution Counts "It's a nice, visible way for the team to show their support," Parker says. "There is so much support, but oftentimes in charities your support isn't visible in the workplace." The abundance of pink uniform items on employees in all areas of the airline — pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, office employees, etc. — is an October highlight for Parker. "I like the clothing part of the program," he says. "I like the fact that for one month, our employees can show their support by wearing pink ties or pink scarves. I like the visible nature of the support and the teamwork." That visual reinforcement seems to bond not only employees with customers but also employees with each other. "Visually, it's such a strong connector," says Elise Eberwein, American Airlines executive vice president, people and com- munications. "My husband is a pilot, and he didn't want to wear his tie because it's pink. But it took him one trip. The minute he put it on, the flight attendants and customers were like, 'I like your tie.' Just telling another per- son you like something they're wearing makes that person feel good." "Really, this is about the whole American family," Parker says. "It just touches so many people. It's led by our employees, many of whom are with customers every day. So being able to pull it all together is special." Visit aa.com/bepink to learn how to make a donation. 9 0 O C TO B E R 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY

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