June 20 Congressional Women's Softball Game To Benefit Young Survival Coalition

Women from Congress and the Washington Press Corps Will Face Off to Raise Funds and Awareness for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It is estimated that more than 250,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 or younger are living in the U.S. today. More than 13,000 young women will be diagnosed this year.[1] On June 20, women from Congress and the Washington Press Corps will face off in the Congressional Women's Softball Game  to benefit Young Survival Coalition (YSC) a nonprofit organization focused exclusively on the unique needs of young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Beginning at 7 p.m., the game will take place at Watkins Recreation Center, located at 420 12th Street SE, Washington, D.C.

Members of the public may purchase a ticket online to this not-to-be missed game for a $10 donation.

The Congressional Women's Softball Game brings together women from both sides of the aisle to raise the public's awareness that young women can and do get breast cancer, as well as critical funds to help YSC address the unique needs facing young women diagnosed with this disease. The game was founded in 2009 by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), a young breast cancer survivor herself. Now in its fourth year, the game continues to emphasize the player's bi-partisan commitment to women's health and fighting breast cancer.

Captains of the Congressional Women's team are Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Rep.Emerson (R- MO), Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rep. Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). The captains of the Press Corps team include Dana Bash of CNN (Emeritus), Carrie Budoff Brown of Politico (Emeritus), Brianna Keilar of CNN, Abby Livingston of Roll Call and Amy Walter of ABC News. Some notable attendees expected to make an appearance at this year's game are John Boehner, Speaker of the House and Minority Leader of the House, Nancy Pelosi.

"When a young woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, her needs and concerns are different than those of older women," commented Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "I'm grateful that my colleagues from the Hill and the Washington Press Corps have come together to generate crucial funds and educate the public about the work YSC does to support young breast cancer survivors."

"The Congressional Women's Softball Game has become an annual event for members of Congress to call attention to the under-representation of young women in breast cancer research in our country," remarked Rep. Emerson. "The game is a tradition and I'm very proud it continues to bring members of both parties together for a great cause."

"The congressional team has been practicing hard to repeat last year's win, and we'll show up ready to play. In keeping with tradition, it will be a fun night that unites Democrats, Republicans and reporters behind an important cause" noted Sen. Kelly Ayotte.

"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," added Sen. Gillibrand.

YSC will be the sole beneficiary of the game for the fourth year in a row. Established in 1998 by young survivors for young survivors, YSC provides free comprehensive programs, education and resources to address every phase of a young woman's breast cancer experience.

"We are grateful for the continued commitment of everyone involved in the Congressional Women's Softball game," said Jennifer Merschdorf, YSC's CEO. "Breast cancer not only touches the lives of those diagnosed, but also every person who knows that individual – it is not a partisan issue or even just a women's issue."

The 2012 Congressional Women's Softball Game is honored to announce that two 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 and Dr. Dot Richardson, two time Olympic Gold medalist and currently Executive Director and Medical Director of the National Training Center. The first pitch will be thrown out at 7 p.m. followed by an exciting game that will push the friendly rivalry of these two teams.

For more information visit www.congwomensoftball.org, to order free educational materials or make a donation to YSC please visit www.youngsurvival.org 

Full List of Players

Members Team
Captain - Sen. Kelly Ayotte
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito
Sen. Maria Cantwell
Rep. Kathy Castor
Rep. Susan Davis
Rep. Donna Edwards
Captain- Rep. Jo Ann Emerson
Captain - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
Sen. Kay Hagan
Rep. Colleen Hanabusa
Rep. Kathy Hochul
Rep. Grace Napolitano
Rep. Laura Richardson
Rep. Martha Roby
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Rep. Linda Sanchez
Rep. Jean Schmidt
Rep. Betty Sutton
Captain- Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Rep. Ed Perlmutter

Press Corps
Captain Emeritus Dana Bash, CNN
Christina Bellantoni, PBS Newshour
Jennifer Bendery, The Huffington Post
Jessica Brady, Roll Call
Captain Emeritus -Carrie Budoff Brown, Politico
Leigh Ann Caldwell, CBS News
Christina Capatides, ABC News
Elise Foley, The Huffington Post
Caroline Horn, CBS News
Kasie Hunt, AP
Jill Jackson, CBS News
Captain-Brianna Keilar, CNN
Stephanie Kotuby, CNN
Jackie Kucinich, USA Today
Lisa Lerer, Bloomberg
Captain - Abby Livingston, Roll Call
Emily Pierce, Roll Call
Gregory Simmons, ABC News
Felicia Sonmez, The Washington Post
Lynn Sweet, Chicago Sun-Times
Jessica Taylor, Rothenberg Report
Shawna Thomas, NBC
Karen Travers, ABC News
Captain - Amy Walter, ABC News

Coaches
David Espo, AP
Luke Russert, NBC
Carl Hulse, NY Times

[1]American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2011-2012

About Young Survival Coalition

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.

SOURCE Young Survival Coalition