Rally Against Cancer on April 6

When the Red Sox return to Fenway Park for their 2009 home opener on Monday, April 6, all of Red Sox Nation will have the opportunity to Rally Against Cancer by simply wearing a Red Sox hat or shirt to work or class.

In honor of Rally Against Cancer Day, on April 6th all businesses and schools throughout New England are asked to encourage their staff and students to wear their favorite Red Sox apparel to work or school.

To Rally Against Cancer, employees and students must each pitch in $5 to help the Jimmy Fund's quest to beat cancer. The top fundraising business and school teams will each be eligible to win a visit from Red Sox pitcher and cancer survivor Jon Lester.

“Not everyone can be at Fenway Park for the home opener,” says Lester, honorary chair of Rally Against Cancer, “but this is a great alternative for fans to be part of the excitement and to show support for my two favorite home town teams, the Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund.”

To get started, every team must designate a coach to help build the roster and the team’s fundraising total, which will be calculated at 11 p.m. on April 6. The coaches' main job is to motivate co-workers and help the company or school become a sea of Red Sox gear on Opening Day.

Interested businesses and schools can step up to the plate and register at www.rallyagainstcancer.org. Individuals that don't want to start or join a team can contribute to the cause as a free agent.

Almost everyone has been affected in some way by cancer. When you join the Rally, you help further cancer research while rooting for the Red Sox, and provide hope to adults and children being treated for cancer worldwide.

“As a cancer survivor, I know first-hand how life-changing cancer can be for patients and their families and the important work Dana-Farber is doing to further cancer care and research,” adds Lester. “Rally Against Cancer is an easy and fun way for everyone to help the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber give hope to the people who are fighting this disease.”

Rallying against cancer is as easy as putting on a Sox hat and T-shirt. It's a great way to build team spirit among co-workers and students, and all contributions will be made and tallied online, eliminating the need to collect and/or send any cash.

For more information, contact Mike DeGuglielmo at 617-632-5420, visit www.rallyagainstcancer.org, or view a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

About The Jimmy Fund
The Jimmy Fund supports the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world-renowned pioneer in discovering and developing innovative, effective cancer therapies for adults and children. Founded in 1948, the Jimmy Fund is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox.