Tug McGraw Foundation Announces National Brain Tumor Month Initiatives and Launches the 'Ya Gotta Believe' Pathway Brick Campaign

YOUNTVILLE, Calif., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Tug McGraw Foundation launched its "Buy a Brick" campaign and other initiatives to kick-off Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Each year approximately 170,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with a brain tumor.  

The "Buy a Brick" campaign will pave the "Ya Gotta Believe" pathway that leads to the doors of the Foundation's new headquarters at the California Veterans Home in Yountville. Bricks can be purchased – and personalized – to commemorate a favorite memory, recognize someone special, or pay tribute to a loved one. For each brick purchased, a complimentary replica brick will be created and given to the purchaser. In addition, larger, granite bricks are available for corporate sponsors. The bricks are available for purchase through September 2010.  To purchase a brick, or for more information visit: http://tugmcgrawbrickcampaign.org.

"We hope that many people will join the Foundation in this campaign which supports the organization and people affected by brain tumors and neurological conditions in so many ways," said Jennifer Brusstar, CEO and President of the Tug McGraw Foundation. "The campaign enables us to build on the successful programs we have established, and also serves as a permanent tribute to the individuals and organizations who are committed to this cause."

The Foundation also has initiated a number of other key efforts, including:  

• Honorary Chairman, Tim McGraw 's Facebook PSA "Use Your Head, Know the Facts, Get Involved Campaign."
• The "Brain Food" Garden at their new headquarters at the California Veterans Home in Yountville. The garden will be an important initiative to educate the community about brain function and nutrition.
• "Nominate Your Hero" program where individuals can nominate someone who has made a positive difference in the life of a person with a brain tumor, traumatic brain injury, or posttraumatic stress disorder.
• A partnership with Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co. to feature Tug McGraw jerseys at Ashburn Alley at Citizen's Bank Park throughout the month of May. Mitchell & Ness will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the jerseys to the Foundation.
• Newly released "Ya Gotta Believe" Chocolates by Tongue 'n' Cheek Chocolates. Tongue 'n' Cheek will donate 50 percent of the sales from the "Ya Gotta Believe" Chocolates to the Foundation. They can be ordered through the Foundation website.
• Tim McGraw will headline the Tug McGraw Foundation Annual Gala, Saturday November 13, 2010 at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville, located on the grounds of the foundation's new headquarters.

About the Tug McGraw Foundation

The Tug McGraw Foundation was established in 2003 to enhance the quality of life of children and adults with brain tumors, and in 2009 expanded programs to include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  The Foundation collaborates with other organizations to accelerate new treatments to improve quality of life in areas of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual impact of those debilitating conditions.

SOURCE Tug McGraw Foundation