2012 Athleta Iron Girl Event Series to Benefit Young Survival Coalition

TAMPA, Fla., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Iron Girl is proud to announce that Young Survival Coalition (YSC) will be the official charity of the 2012 Athleta Iron Girl Event Series. At 12 events nationwide, ranging from 5K to half-marathon, duathlon and triathlon, Iron Girl will help to not only raise funds for the organization but also awareness that there are more than 250,000 women living in the U.S. today who were diagnosed with breast cancer before their 41st birthday.

"We are thrilled to support the efforts of the Young Survival Coalition," said Judy Molnar, Vice President of Iron Girl. "We've seen thousands of amazing women participate in our races, many who have battled breast cancer at a young age, and we are excited for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives."

As the official benefiting charity for the 2012 Athleta Iron Girl Event Series, YSC will actively engage with event participants around the country, educating communities that young women can and do get breast cancer. Participants in each of the Athleta Iron Girl events will have the option to raise funds and awareness for YSC through 2012.

Founded in 1998 by three young breast cancer survivors who were determined to make a difference in the lives of young women with breast cancer, YSC has helped thousands feel empowered as they face the disease. While most are aware of the devastating effects of breast cancer in general, many are unfamiliar with the statistics of the cancer in women under the age of 40.

• One in 20 women with breast cancer is under the age of 40 when diagnosed.
• One in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer is younger than 45 at the time of diagnosis.
• Breast cancer accounts for 26 percent of all cancer in women 15 to 39 years of age and 39 percent of all cancer in 35 to 39 year olds.
• Breast cancer in young women is generally more aggressive and has a lower survival rate.

"We are excited to be the official beneficiary of the 2012 Athleta Iron Girl Event Series," said Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO of YSC and breast cancer survivor. "The series shows a commitment to healthy, strong women who empower themselves to achieve their personal best through participation in these events. Working with Iron Girl will allow YSC to continue to generate awareness about the unique issues surrounding breast cancer in young women, while helping to raise important funds to provide resources, support and connections to young women impacted by the disease."

To learn more about the 2012 Athleta Iron Girl Event Series or to register for one of the events, visit www.IronGirl.com. Athletes interested in raising funds for YSC as a part of their race participation may visit http://www.irongirl.com/Give_Back. Media-related inquiries should be directed to Jessica Weidensall at [email protected] or Dana Griffin at [email protected]. 

About Iron Girl

Launched in 2004 with just two races, the Iron Girl Event Series has grown to include 12 events nationwide, varying in distance from 5K to half-marathon, duathlon and triathlon. With the mission of empowering women toward a healthy lifestyle, Iron Girl has celebrated finishers ranging in age from five to 89 years old, with an average age of 38.  Visit www.irongirl.com, a site filled with training tips, guest columnists and nutrition information, and www.irongirlshop.com, an online store that offers products and accessories to match the active lifestyle of women.

About Young Survival Coalition (YSC)

Established in 1998, Young Survival Coalition (YSC) was the first nonprofit organization to focus exclusively on the unique needs of young women affected by breast cancer. Founded by young survivors for young survivors, YSC began as a grassroots organization to advocate on behalf of all young women diagnosed with breast cancer to increase their quality and quantity of life. Based in New York City, with 23 affiliates nationwide, YSC today provides comprehensive resources, support and education to address every phase of a young woman's breast cancer experience. YSC is well known for its four national Tour de Pink rides for breast cancer; regional In Living Pink events; ResourceLink program; as well as educational materials such as its Newly Diagnosed Resource Kit (NDRK); Metastatic Navigator; and its Factor Series on topics such as fertility, genetics and breast reconstruction. It also co-presents the C4YW - Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer. For more information or to make a donation, please visit: www.youngsurvival.org.

SOURCE Athleta Iron Girl Event Series