DEARBORN, (Ford Motor Company) - With today's release of Melissa Etheridge's "Greatest Hits The Road Less Traveled," her song "
I Run For Life" is available for download at https://www.fordcares.com, with 100 percent of the roceeds from sales during October going to breast cancer research and awareness programs.
"I Run For Life," which was produced with the support of Ford Motor Company, is available for 99 cents through iTunes on https://www.fordcares.com. In October, 80 percent of the download price will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and 20 percent to Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. "I Run For Life" chronicles Etheridge's struggle with the disease and her courageous fight towards recovery. The song's title is a reference to the Komen Race for the Cure, a worldwide race series attended by more than 1 million breast cancer survivors and supporters to help raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research.
"When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was a devastating blow to me and my family, but I knew I had to fight," said Etheridge. "Ford approached me to help with their breast cancer awareness efforts, and I was ecstatic to lend my music as a weapon to fight the disease. Writing songs was part of my therapy, and I hope women everywhere will be inspired by the music and lyrics."
Etheridge also appears in a public service announcement on https://www.fordcares.com. The PSA urges women of all ages to get yearly check-ups and mammograms. The PSA, entitled "This One's For You," features Etheridge playing "I Run For Life" and will appear on https://www.fordcares.com, and is available to view or email to a friend.
"We are so grateful that Melissa Etheridge was willing to donate her immense skills and popularity to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer," said Connie Fontaine, Ford Primary Brand Communications Manager. "Through her music and influential presence, Melissa will surely become an inspiring voice to women everywhere who are struggling with the disease."
Ford is hoping that sales from the "I Run For Life" single will add to the immense success of its "Get Tied to the Cause" campaign. In 2004, Ford established a record for the largest donation from a Komen Race for the Cure National Series sponsor with proceeds from a single item with its Lilly Pulitzer-designed breast cancer awareness scarf. Last year's contribution of more than $2.4 million capped a decade of commitment to breast cancer awareness and increased Ford's dedication to the Komen Foundation to nearly $85 million.
