News

Hitting the Field - A Bipartisan Show of Support for Young Women with Breast Cancer


June 21, 2011


646.257.3006

publicrelations@youngsurvival.org



Third Annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game to benefit Young Survival Coalition

NEW YORK – June 21, 2011 – Young Survival Coalition (YSC), the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women with breast cancer, is excited to be the beneficiary of the Congressional Women’s Softball Game for the third year in a row. The softball game is a unique opportunity for the women Members of Congress to leave behind party politics and join together to have some summer fun as they support a very important cause.

This is the second year that the women Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle will join forces to play against formidable opponents, the women members of the Washington Press Corps. Each team member has contributed countless hours of volunteer time, dedication to the cause and practice time to ensure a wonderful game. Captains of the Congressional Women’s team are Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R- MO), Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).  Rep. Wasserman Shultz, is herself a young breast cancer survivor and founded this important game with Rep. Emerson and Sen. Gillibrand to raise awareness that young women can and do get breast cancer. The captains of the Press Corps team include Dana Bash of CNN, Carrie Budoff Brown of Politico and Trish Turner of FOX.

“When a young woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, her needs are different, her concerns are different and her anxieties are different from those of an older woman,” said Rep.  Wasserman Schultz. “I am grateful that my fellow women of the Hill and women of the Press Corps have come together in an activity that helps to raise awareness and crucial funds for the work that YSC does for young women diagnosed with breast cancer.”

"The Congressional Women's Softball Game has become an annual event for members of Congress to benefit the Young Survivors Coalition and to raise awareness about the need for cancer research in our country,” said Rep. Emerson.  “We have great bipartisan participation in this effort every year, and we're really grateful to the women in the Washington press corps for taking the field this year to also direct attention to the YSC's good cause. The game is a tradition and I'm very proud it continues to bring members of both parties together for a great game."

"This is a fun way to support a very worthy cause,” said Sen. Ayotte. “Members of the Senate and House are ready to hit the field, and we're looking forward to a spirited contest."

“This softball game is an important opportunity to raise money, awareness and support for programs helping young women with breast cancer. This event is a symbol of the Washington we are all striving for - Democrats and Republicans working together across party lines to help others and achieve a common goal.  But make no mistake, the Congressional team is determined to win the game too." said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

In addition to the fantastic players and coaches who give of their time to make this event a success, the 2011 Congressional Women’s Softball Game is honored to announce three very special friends of the game will be on hand to throw out the first pitch. In order of participation: Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO of Young Survival Coalition, Steve Hilton, Corporate Vice President of Government Relations of game lead sponsor, McDonalds and Justice Sonya Sotoyamor.

“There are more than a quarter-million women living in the U.S. today who were diagnosed with breast cancer before their 41st birthday, “ said Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO of Young Survival Coalition. “We are thrilled that the women of Washington understand the importance of raising awareness of this issue and are grateful to be the beneficiaries of this wonderful bipartisan event”

The game will take place at on June 23rd at Watkins Recreation Center, 420 12th Street SE, Washington, D.C.  The first pitch will be thrown out at 7:00 pm. The game is free for all to attend and the community is encouraged to come and cheer on the players.

About the Young Survival Coalition

Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women with breast cancer. YSC offers resources, connections and outreach so young women feel supported, empowered and hopeful. Via its website, www.youngsurvival.org, and nearly 30 affiliates nationwide, YSC aims to ensure that no young woman faces breast cancer alone.

Full List of Players

Member Team

Captain - Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH)

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)

Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL)

Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA)

Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD)

Captain - Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO)

Captain -Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC)

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI)

Rep. Kathy Hochul (D-NY)

Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA)

Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA)

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)

Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA)

Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH)

Captain - Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)

Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH)

Member Coaches

Rep.  Joe Baca (D-CA)

Rep.  Kevin Brady (R-TX)

Rep.  Joe Donnelly (D-IN)

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)

Rep. Dan Webster (R-FL)

Press Team

Captain Dana Bash, CNN

Christina Capatides, ABC

Jennifer Bendery, Huffington Post

Jessica Brady, Roll Call

Captain Carrie Budoff Brown, Politico

Leigh Ann Caldwell, C-SPAN

Julie Davis, Bloomberg

Erika Dimmler, CNN

Elise Foley, Huffington Post

Kasie Hunt, Politico

Jill Jackson, CBS

Brianna Keilar, CNN

Stephanie Kotuby, CNN

Jackie Kucinich, USA Today

Lisa Lerer, Bloomberg

Abby Livingston, CNN

Lynn Sweet, Chicago Sun-Times

Shawna Thomas, NBC

Captain:Trish Turner, Fox

Amy Walter, ABC

Coach: Dave Espo