WWE has released the following statement:
WWE® Continues Support for Pediatric Cancer Research
STAMFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– In an effort to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced the first-ever “Get the Gear, Give the Gear” campaign, where fans, beginning Monday, September 5 through the end of the month, can purchase bracelets and bandanas with 100 percent of net proceeds benefiting Connor’s Cure, to support pediatric cancer research.
WWE will utilize its global assets including WWE Network and TV broadcasts, live events, PSAs, digital and social media to generate awareness and encourage fans to get involved. Throughout the month, the WWE announcer table, entrance ramp, ring skirts and ring posts will go gold to promote the fight against pediatric cancer. Additionally,WWE Superstars will visit pediatric cancer patients at hospitals across the country.
“WWE is extremely proud to expand our support of Connor’s Cure around Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “The continued effort to raise awareness and funds in the fight against pediatric cancer is important to help find a cure for this devastating disease. We are grateful to the WWE Superstars, fans, The V Foundation and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for their continued support.”
“The V Foundation is excited to recognize Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month with such a fantastic and motivated partner,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. “We are both driven to end this disease, and working as a team to meet that goal means success can come more quickly.”
All funds raised through Connor’s Cure will be distributed through the V Foundation’s grant making process. In addition, WWE will donate a Connor’s Cure bracelet or bandana to a child battling pediatric cancer for every item purchased. Fans will also be able to give a donation during checkout on WWEShop.com and can use the Connor’s Cure bracelet filter on their Facebook and Twitter profiles to show their support.
Earlier this year, WWE and The V Foundation announced a multi-year partnership to support pediatric cancer research nationally through funds raised by Connor’s Cure. In 2014, Connor’s Cure was created by Stephanie McMahon and her husband, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, to support pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer research. Connor’s Cure was established in honor of 8-year-old WWE fan Connor Michalek, a patient at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC who battled medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. To date, Connor’s Cure has raised more than $1 million and assisted more than 100 families around the world.
Every year, 12,000-15,000 children are newly diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. Through the efforts of The V Foundation, progress is being made with cure rates for most pediatric cancers dramatically improving. The V Foundation has awarded nearly $20 million through 66 pediatric research grants to-date, including more than $5 million to pediatric cancer research in 2015.