Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/388750
Be Pink With American Airlines THIS MONTH, American's employees will come together to help fight breast cancer through our annual "Be Pink" initiative. As you travel with us today, you might see employees sporting pink scarves, ties, shirts or other items. These pink uniform pieces are a visual symbol of our employees' determination to find a cure for breast cancer. Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, accounting for nearly 29 percent of newly diagnosed cancers. For more than 30 years, American has been active in the fight against the disease, and the generosity of our employees and customers has helped the research make great strides. In 1980, the five-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (cancer that hasn't left the breast) was about 74 percent. Today, that number is 99 percent. Many of our employees who are wearing pink are participating in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks or Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure events as part of "Be Pink" and are showing their support for a loved one fighting cancer, are honoring the memory of those who lost their lives or are marking their own triumph over the disease. One of those employees is Deborah Hegland, who works on the ramp in Phoenix. "I've made a long journey and beat it," she says. "It's been very meaningful to me that almost every employee wears pink during the month of October. That means that someone they know has been touched by this disease." Miami-based pilot and breast cancer survivor Mary Burnett agrees. "Everyone I meet seems to have been affected in some way," she says. "It's not taboo to talk about personal things anymore. Once you open the door, the interaction begins." Turn to page 89 to learn more about how American's employees are working together to fight breast cancer. You can also join us at aa.com/BePink. On behalf of the entire American Airlines family of 100,000 employees, thank you for flying with us today. We look forward to seeing you on a flight again soon or at a walk or race with us this month.