Through this year’s annual Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) fundraising campaign, American Airlines raised over $4.3 million for vital, groundbreaking cancer research, marking its most successful campaign with SU2C since their partnership began in 2016.
Stand Up To Cancer advances scientific breakthroughs by supporting collaborative research teams and investigators across institutions and disciplines. Over the eight years of this partnership, American Airlines has raised more than $31 million to aid SU2C in its mission to raise awareness and fund cancer research aimed at improving detection, treatment, and the pursuit of a cure.
“It’s truly humbling to see the generosity of our team members and customers who came together to raise more than $4.3 million in the fight against cancer,” said Ron DeFeo, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at American. “We are proud to play a role in supporting SU2C’s critical mission and facilitating the largest single campaign contribution to Stand Up To Cancer since the launch of our collaboration in 2016.”
Starting August 15, the campaign offered American Airlines customers 25 AAdvantage® bonus miles for every dollar donated, with those using an American Airlines AAdvantage® Mastercard® credit card earning 50 bonus miles per dollar, up to $3 million in donations.
Throughout the six-week campaign, American supported SU2C through multiple initiatives, beginning with a compelling public service announcement featuring SU2C celebrity ambassador Rosario Dawson and American team members impacted by cancer.
To further engage supporters, American Airlines launched a limited-edition SU2C specialty amenity kit in collaboration with sustainable fashion brand Raven + Lily.
Additionally, American team members who have been affected by cancer participated in on-field recognition events at Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs baseball games. Both games featured a SU2C Placard Moment™, allowing players and fans to honor those they “stand up” for.
The campaign also showcased inspiring stories, such as a friendship between a team member and a customer that began in an Admirals Club 30 years ago and strengthened as both supported each other through their respective battles with cancer.
“Within our lifetime, cures for some cancers are not only possible but likely; and together with American Airlines and their generous customers, we are closer to making that future a reality,” said Rusty Robertson, Co-Founder of Stand Up To Cancer. “We are so grateful to American Airlines for standing with us to find answers to cancer’s most urgent challenges and for bringing hope to those who need it now.