The American Lung Association Announces 2010 Christmas Seals Celebrity Chairperson

Emmy-Award Winning Actress and Lung Cancer Survivor Kathryn Joosten

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association announced its 2010 Christmas Seals Celebrity Chairperson today, Emmy-award winning actress and Lung Cancer survivor, Kathryn Joosten.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101116/DC01930)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101116/DC01930)

Throughout the history of the American Lung Association's Christmas Seals Campaign, celebrities and entertainers ranging from Cary Grant and Shirley Temple to Bob Hope and Cybil Shepherd have all lent their time and talents to raise visibility for the more than century old fundraising campaign.

"We are thrilled that Kathryn Joosten is helping the American Lung Association raise visibility for this year's Christmas Seals Campaign," said Charles D. Connor, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.  "Kathryn's own personal battle with and victory over lung cancer makes her a genuinely passionate spokesperson when it comes to preventing lung disease and protecting lung health," he continued.

Christmas Seals, holiday stamps used to decorate cards and packages, were first issued by the Lung Association in 1907 to combat tuberculosis.  Today, the money raised through the Christmas Seals Campaign helps the Lung Association fight new battles against lung cancer, influenza, asthma, tobacco use, air pollution and more.

Ms. Joosten is currently starring as Mrs. McClusky on the popular, award winning series Desperate Housewives. In 2005 and 2008, Kathryn won an Emmy for her portrayal of the crotchety, gossipy neighbor on the hit ABC comedy. Kathryn was also nominated for a SAG Award for Desperate Housewives in 2007, 2008, and 2009.  Prior to joining the Desperate Housewives cast, she was best known as Mrs. Landingham, secretary to President of the United States, (Martin Sheen), on the critically acclaimed and Emmy award winning NBC drama, The West Wing.

"I feel extremely lucky to not only be a successful actor but also to be a survivor of lung cancer," said Ms. Joosten.  "It is an honor to be this year's Christmas Seals Celebrity Chairperson.  I want to encourage anyone affected by lung disease to make a donation to support the American Lung Association.  The money raised will support its mission of preventing lung disease and protecting lung health."  

The American Lung Association would also like to encourage individuals to visit www.ChristmasSeals.org to share Christmas Seals stories and shop for merchandise.

This year, the Lung Association has included a "share your story" section on www.ChristmasSeals.org, where people from around the country have posted personal and touching stories about how Christmas Seals have become or remain a holiday tradition.

Gift merchandise includes vintage products like wrapping paper, adhesive gift tags, lapel pins and holiday ornaments.  New products this year include a Christmas Seals apron, sugar cookie mix and cookie cutters. Proceeds from the sale of all these items will help support the mission of the Lung Association.

About the American Lung Association

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.

SOURCE American Lung Association