Illinois Lottery Debuts New 'Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure' Instant Game

CHICAGO, Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Lottery today introduced the 11^th edition of its breast cancer awareness instant lottery game, Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure, at the headquarters of Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, a recent grant recipient of Ticket for the Cure funding. This was the first lottery game of its kind in the nation, and remains the only lottery game in the U.S. benefitting breast cancer research and support services.

Since 2006, Ticket for the Cure has raised more than $10.4 million to support breast cancer research, awareness and education in Illinois. Net proceeds from the sale of the ticket are distributed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which provides grants that fund medical research centers and community organizations across the state. The lottery instant game launched today is expected to raise nearly $700,000 in funding.  

"If I could personally tell every adult in Illinois that we offer an instant ticket that only costs $2, a ticket that, if you lose, funds breast cancer research and programs in our state, and that, if you're lucky, you could win up to $20,000 instantly, I believe nearly everyone would buy a ticket--and we would greatly increase the amount of money raised for this worthy cause," said Illinois Lottery Director Michael Jones.

The American Cancer Society reports that more than 9,000 Illinoisans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. 

"Research, education and early diagnosis are essential to helping Illinois women and their families battle this devastating disease," said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. "We are grateful to the Illinois Lottery, our community partners, and everyone who buys a ticket. Let's empower the women in our lives to become better advocates for their health by getting their annual mammograms and learning all they need to know about breast health."

The Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force ("the Task Force") received funding from the proceeds of the Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure and has been steadfast in promoting breast cancer awareness. "Far too often, women of color and poor women die needlessly from breast cancer because they didn't access the high quality care they need as early as possible. These funds are helping us improve their odds so that every woman has the best chance possible of survival," said Dr. Anne Marie Murphy, executive director of the Task Force.

This specialty game was renamed Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure, under legislation sponsored in 2011 by State Senator Mattie Hunter and signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. It is named for former Illinois Lottery Superintendent (2003-2007) Carolyn Adams, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 44.

Tickets are available at some 8,200 Lottery retail locations statewide. Each ticket costs $2 and has top prizes (4) of $20,000.

Click here for information about breast cancer and screenings in Illinois.

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Contact: IDPH: Shelia Porter 312-814-3524
Illinois Lottery: Mike Lang 217-524-5158

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SOURCE Illinois Lottery