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Arnold Palmer's "Army" of Fans to Join the Legendary Golfer in the Fight Against Prostate Cancer Contact Pat Norton RIDGEFIELD, Conn. (March 15, 2003) - The legions of Arnold Palmer fans who for decades have constituted "Arnie's Army" are now joining forces with the Hall of Fame golfer to battle prostate cancer at golf and country clubs across the country. The newly created "Arnie's Army Battles Prostate Cancer" campaign is aimed at promoting early detection, creating awareness and raising research support for a disease that claims the lives of some 30,000 men in the United States each year and which is diagnosed annually in almost 200,000 American males. Palmer, a prostate cancer survivor himself, is the program's Honorary Chairman and as such is intent upon settling the score with a disease that is the second leading cancer killer of American men. "We must find a way to beat all forms of cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate," Palmer advocates. "Join this campaign, see your doctor and get tested." The novel "Arnie's Army Battles Prostate Cancer" initiative that is committed to enlisting thousands of the nation's golfers in the fight against the disease is partnered with CaP CURE, the Prostate Cancer Foundation. CaP CURE, the world's largest private funder of prostate cancer research, has provided $120 million to underwrite over 1,000 medical research projects worldwide since its inception in 1993. In spite of CaP CURE's efforts, prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in America, with one new case occurring every three minutes. In 2003, 18 men will lose their battle with the disease in the time it takes to play a round of golf! Through Palmer's encouragement for clubs to facilitate a special one-day event that is built around a closest-to-the-pin contest on a designated par-3 hole at their golf course, the campaign's goal is to heighten awareness and raise research funds so that prostate cancer ultimately will be eliminated as a life-threatening illness. Each golfer makes a $20.00 contribution to participate in the contest. CaP CURE proudly reports that nearly 90 percent of the funds they receive go directly to research, as a foundation grant covers a majority of the organization's administrative expenses. The "Army" began the battle in North Florida in the fall of 2002 with Palmer's Bay Hill Golf Club, site of the PGA Tour's Bay Hill Invitational, joining over 120 area golf and country clubs in the campaign's launch. It is anticipated that in 2003 thousands of clubs across the nation will enlist in this fight against prostate cancer. "Arnie's Army Battles Prostate Cancer" is directed by The Wrenfield Group, which has headquarters in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Further details about the program may be obtained by calling (866) 586-5585 or by visiting www.arniesarmybattles.com. |