- Breast cancer patients are concerned with maintaining their daily routines; they need help with household chores and meal preparation, according to a new study by Ford Warriors in Pink
- Warriors in Pink More Good Days initiative is launching additional support services to offer solutions to patients’ most pressing household needs through new collaborations with Green Chef and Cleaning for a Reason
- Now 22 years strong, Ford Warriors in Pink continues to help in the fight against breast cancer, so far dedicating more than $130 million to the cause
Survey results indicate that maintaining their daily routines while going through treatment is a top concern of those battling breast cancer – second only to life expectancy. Activities patients say they need the most logistical help with include completing household chores, running errands and preparing balanced, healthful meals.
The study also reveals that few adults know how to provide the support patients need. While 98 percent acknowledge the serious health threat the disease presents, less than 60 percent are familiar with the day-to-day challenges those undergoing treatment face. Only 28 percent say they know how to best provide the support needed.
“What the results of the surveys tell us is that while most adults aren’t sure how to support these patients, the majority – 75 percent – want more information on how to help,” says Tracy Magee, Ford Warriors in Pink brand manager. “The insights give us an opportunity to build upon the resources we offer to ensure we respond to the needs of those undergoing treatment.
“Through our More Good Days initiative, we’re striving to equip people with the knowledge and resources they need to help,” adds Magee. “Ultimately, we want to give breast cancer patients what they deserve – more good days.”
Driving supportive actions
To date, Ford Warriors in Pink has granted more than 60,000 good day experiences – everything from free rides to treatment centers, to meal and errand scheduling – as part of its More Good Days initiative. Year two of the program aims to bring about even more good days by adding two new services in response to patients’ most pressing needs.
First, it’s working to help eliminate the hassle of grocery shopping and meal planning by collaborating with Green Chef – the first and leading national USDA-certified organic meal kit delivery service – to provide free organic meal kits to patients. To help alleviate another pressing daily concern patients have, Warriors in Pink is also working with the nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason to provide free assistance with household chores.
According to Michael Joseph, founder and chief executive officer, Green Chef, food has the power to nourish not just our bodies, but also our souls. “We’re looking forward to working with Warriors in Pink to help friends, family and caretakers provide healthy meals to the breast cancer patients in their lives,” he says. “Home-cooked, organic meals make total sense in terms of providing patients with a good day.”
Debbie Sardone, president and founder, Cleaning for a Reason, understands the importance of having help around the house for patients going through treatment. “Cleaning for a Reason has been providing home cleanings to cancer patients for the last 10 years,” she says. “We’re so excited to work with Ford Warriors in Pink to bring this service to even more patients.”
Ford Warriors in Pink will also offer free Jacki® recovery garments to those who have recently undergone mastectomy surgery through select treatment centers and on the Warriors in Pink website. It will also continue working with Meal Train – an online platform for organizing family and friends to provide meal deliveries, errand services, childcare, rides and more. More information about these services, as well as additional tips, tools and resources for providing good days, is available on www.fordcares.com.
Spreading more good days through Models of Courage
Ford is building upon its longstanding Models of Courage program, inaugurating a new class of warriors in six cities across the country. These real-life role models – over 100 women and men who have coped with breast cancer in inspiring ways – will help create more good days by taking direct action to support those battling the disease in their communities. 2016 Models of Courage are based in Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, New York, Denver and Chicago.
To instill hope and help patients face their battles, these Models of Courage will share their stories throughout the year at national and community events, as well as in Warriors in Pink communications. People are encouraged to join the conversation and share their personal stories and insights on social media using #MoreGoodDays.
Wear the warrior spirit
This month, Ford is introducing the 2016 Warriors in Pink collection of apparel and accessories to raise funds for breast cancer research and resources. New items include a vest, tunic, an adult coloring book and gold foil tattoos, along with best-selling favorites such as the annual women’s scarf, warrior T-shirt and tote bag. One hundred percent of net proceeds benefit The Pink Fund, Susan G. Komen, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition.
For more than 20 years, Ford Motor Company has worked to advance the conversation around breast cancer – fueling the spirit of those living with the disease while inspiring new generations of supporters. To date, Ford has dedicated more than $130 million to the cause.
For more on Ford Warriors in Pink and to view the full 2016 accessories and apparel collection, please visit www.fordcares.com.
Editor’s notes:
The Ford Warriors in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness survey was conducted online using the field services of TNS, on behalf of Ford Motor Company, March 18-22, 2016. The 2,500 respondents surveyed were a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, 18-plus in age, with a margin of error of ±2.0%.
The Ford Warriors in Pink More Good Days survey was conducted online using the field services of TNS, on behalf of Ford Motor Company, Feb. 17-March 1, 2016. The 551 respondents were U.S. adult women (18-plus) who were current patients or survivors of breast cancer. Efforts were made to achieve a mix of age, ethnicity, region, income and education; the sample skewed 40-plus in age. The margin of error was ±4.2%.
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