American Airlines and Stand Up To Cancer Continue Powerful Partnership in 2025 to Support Groundbreaking Cancer Research
American Airlines is once again proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) for the ninth consecutive year as they launch their 2025 fundraising campaign, reaffirming a powerful commitment to the fight against cancer. With a renewed focus on early detection, understanding family history, and the advancement of personalized therapies, this year’s campaign emphasizes the vital role that partnership and collaboration play in defeating one of the world’s most devastating diseases.
The ongoing campaign theme — “Let’s go further, together” — is more than just a motto. It’s a rallying cry. A shared belief that when individuals, corporations, and communities unite for a common cause, progress happens faster, and lives can be saved. American Airlines and SU2C are calling on the public to come together once again in 2025, with the hope that collective action can accelerate scientific breakthroughs and ultimately, lead to a world where cancer is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis.
A Campaign That Gives Back
From August 15 to September 30, 2025, American Airlines customers have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while also earning valuable travel rewards. During this campaign period, customers who donate $25 or more to SU2C via the dedicated campaign website — StandUpToCancer.org/AmericanAirlines — will receive 25 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles for every dollar they contribute.
To further incentivize generosity, Mastercard has joined the campaign again this year as a key partner. Donations made with an American Airlines AAdvantage® Mastercard® between $25 and $10,000 will be rewarded with 50 bonus miles per dollar — double the standard rate — through September 30 or until $3 million in eligible donations has been reached, whichever comes first. This generous offer not only maximizes the value of each dollar donated but also deepens the impact of individual contributions.
More Than Miles: A Mission with Heart
For American Airlines, this campaign is not merely a fundraising initiative — it’s a direct reflection of the company’s values and mission.
“For nearly a decade, our collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer has reflected the heart of our mission to care for people on life’s journey,” said Ron DeFeo, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at American Airlines. “We are a company that deeply cares for our team members and our communities. This campaign is about more than miles. It’s about moving forward together toward a future where fewer lives are lost to cancer.”
That sentiment echoes throughout American Airlines’ culture — from its leadership to its frontline team members — many of whom have been personally touched by cancer. Whether they are patients, survivors, family members, or advocates, the shared experience of confronting cancer creates a powerful connection that motivates continued action.
A Night to Remember: SU2C’s 2025 Televised Special
To officially launch the 2025 campaign, SU2C is hosting a one-hour, commercial-free televised fundraising special, airing live for the first time from Nashville, a city rich in culture, music, and community spirit. The special will be broadcast nationally on August 16 at 8 p.m. ET and PT / 7 p.m. CT across major television networks and streaming platforms.
This inspiring telecast will showcase collaborative musical performances that span genres, alongside appearances by SU2C celebrity ambassadors who lend their voices and influence to support the urgent need for cancer research funding. The program is designed not only to raise donations but also to educate and empower viewers about the importance of early detection, prevention, and innovation in cancer treatment.
American Airlines is honored to be a part of this special event, which will feature stories of survivors, researchers, and advocates. Their experiences remind us of both the strides made in cancer research and the work that still lies ahead.
In a display of solidarity and service, American Airlines team members — particularly those from the Reservations and Service Recovery departments — will volunteer to assist during the broadcast, answering phones and helping to process pledges from donors across the country.
A Legacy of Impact
Since the partnership between American Airlines and SU2C began in 2016, the campaign has achieved remarkable success. Through the generosity of American Airlines customers and employees, more than $28 million has been raised to support SU2C’s mission to fund collaborative cancer research teams working on innovative approaches to treatment and early detection.
One of the most poignant symbols of this long-standing partnership is the SU2C-themed Airbus A321, unveiled in 2019. The aircraft proudly carries the names of loved ones — submitted by customers and team members — who have been affected by cancer. From the exterior livery to the emotional stories behind every name, the plane serves as a moving tribute that flies at 30,000 feet, reminding everyone aboard that they are part of a larger, unified mission to conquer cancer.
This tangible expression of remembrance and hope exemplifies American’s deep-rooted commitment to honoring those who have fought — and continue to fight — this disease.
The Importance of Early Detection and Personalized Care
This year’s campaign places special emphasis on the power of early detection and understanding family medical history, both of which are crucial in identifying cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. SU2C’s work continues to prioritize these strategies, in combination with personalized therapies that target specific cancer mutations, offering patients better outcomes and fewer side effects.
Thanks to the support from American Airlines and others, SU2C-funded research teams are developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies — from liquid biopsies to genomic testing — that can identify cancer earlier and treat it more precisely.
Standing Together to Save Lives
“American Airlines has been an extraordinary collaborator in helping us accelerate the pace of cancer research,” said Rusty Robertson, co-founder of Stand Up To Cancer. “For nine years, their steadfast commitment — and the generosity of their customers and team members — has fueled groundbreaking work in early detection, prevention, and new treatments. We are deeply grateful to everyone at American Airlines who stands with us in our mission to cure cancer.”
This campaign is a testament to the power of shared purpose. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone making a one-time donation, the message is clear: Every contribution matters. Every mile makes a difference. Every life is worth fighting for.
To be part of this year’s campaign, visit StandUpToCancer.org/AmericanAirlines and make a qualifying donation of $25 or more. By doing so, not only will you earn American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles, but you’ll also be directly supporting the kind of cancer research that is saving lives every day.
In the battle against cancer, the journey is long — but we’re not walking it alone. Together, with compassion, innovation, and unwavering determination, we can go further.