American Cancer Society and Stop & Shop are fighting breast cancer

QUINCY, Mass., Oct. 2, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stop & Shop has been committed to supporting the mission of the American Cancer Society for 16 years and has raised nearly $7.8 million since the partnership began. This year, Stop & Shop is joining the American Cancer Society's movement to celebrate breast cancer survivors and achievers and help eradicate breast cancer as we know it. From October 4th^Th until November 4th^Th All 350+ Stop & Shop stores in NY, NJ, MA, RI and CT offer shoppers the option to donate $1, $3 or $5 or round up their total at checkout, with 100% of the donation going to the American Cancer Society .

The annual campaign continues to be personal for Stop & Shop. The brand's in-store signage will once again feature employees sharing their breast cancer journeys – anyone who has faced a diagnosis. Chrissie Bugg (New Bedford, MA), Mary Gotsch (Hopewell Junction, NY), and Michelle Bogan (Groton, CT) share their journeys and progress to give hope to those facing their own breast cancer diagnosis.

Chrissie Bugg –
Thirteen years ago, Chrissie Bugg was diagnosed after her very first mammogram. With a daughter in high school and a strong support network around her, Chrissie has never been upset about her diagnosis and has always taken the attitude of, “Let's fix this.” Chrissie points out that the support through her stop & Shop team was crucial for their current result. This included staff providing her and her family with food during treatment so she could focus on her recovery, her family and rest. This year, Chrissie went from meeting with oncologists to joining a cancer survivor group, a huge milestone in her journey. “I am grateful for the journey, not just the destination, and look forward to working and growing with my fellow survivors.”

Maria Gotsch –
Mary Gotsch was diagnosed 15 years ago, and with the support of her stepfather and mother, two children and her close friends, Mary knew the importance of fighting. After a lumpectomy, 9 months of chemotherapy and 4 months of radiation, she was officially in recovery. Before joining Stop & Shop, Mary battled cancer and is now a survivor who supports breast cancer research.

“The fight against cancer and supporting survivors continue to be very important to me. I know how difficult it is to have cancer, so I wanted to help others get through it more easily and know that they are not alone. I’m a survivor, but that’s not all, I’m fighting to find the cure.”

Michelle Bogan–
Michelle has been with Stop & Shop for 27 years. Like Chrissie, her first mammogram in June 2022 showed aggressive breast cancer, which fortunately was caught early. Her doctor shared that if it had not been discovered in time, Michelle would be fighting for her life. Michelle has had her latest surgery and is feeling like herself again. “It was the hardest battle I've ever fought, but it taught me that I'm stronger than I ever thought. I am a survivor.”

To bring in-store fundraising to life, Stop & Shop is also a proud sponsor of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks in Jones Beach, NY; Point Pleasant, NJ; Providence, Rhode Island; and Bronx, NY. Stop & Shop will be active at these events supporting survivors and their local communities, while Stop & Shop employees will walk in six additional Making Strides walks across the Northeast to show their support.

“The American Cancer Society's mission remains critically important and we are proud to join the organization in its sixteenth year in the fight against cancer,” said Jennifer Barr, director of external communications and community relations for Stop & Shop. “We are particularly proud of our courageous employees who will once again serve as the faces of the campaign, sharing their personal experiences with breast cancer and highlighting the importance of giving.”

“Without the support of Stop & Shop employees, we wouldn’t be able to make the impact we do. This year, we are proud to partner with Stop & Shop to expand our partnership by dedicating a portion of the proceeds to patients who need access to breast cancer screenings. Together we are the movement, the hope and the future,” said Brant Woodward, senior executive vice president of the American Cancer Society.

Last year, Stop & Shop and its customers raised over $1.4 million, supporting the American Cancer Society's mission to eradicate breast cancer as we know it by investing in breast cancer research, ensuring greater access to quality care, to influence public policy and provide patient care support.

According to the American Cancer Society Facts and figures about cancer 2024 An estimated 310,720 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and an estimated 42,250 will die from the disease this year, according to a report. Additionally, 2,800 men will be diagnosed and 530 will die from breast cancer. Thanks to partners like Stop & Shop, a breast cancer diagnosis is not without hope and the breast cancer journey is not a solo journey.

The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers committed to saving lives, celebrating lives and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From groundbreaking research to free accommodation near treatment, a 24/7/365 live hotline, free rides to treatment, to convening influential activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization that eliminates cancer combated from all angles. For more information, visit www.cancer.org.

About Stop & Shop
A neighborhood grocer for more than 100 years, Stop & Shop is focused on providing a wide range of fresh, healthy options at a great value through strong weekly sales and everyday low prices. The new GO Rewards loyalty program offers personalized offers and allows customers to collect points with every purchase that can be redeemed for gas or groceries. Stop & Shop customers can choose how they want to shop – whether in-store or online, where both delivery and same-day pickup are available. The company is committed to making a difference in its communities by fighting hunger and ensuring no students go to school hungry through its Stop & Shop School Food Pantry program. Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC, an Ahold Delhaize USA company, employs more than 50,000 people and operates more than 350 stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com