Churchill Downs and Norton Cancer Institute Announce Partnership to Support Local Women's Breast Health Program

Feb 21, 2017

LOUISVILLE, KY (Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017) – Churchill Downs and Norton Cancer Institute today announced a new charitable partnership to raise funds to help provide care for women in our community who lack access to necessary breast health screenings and services. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, so this partnership presents significant potential to women who can benefit from Norton Cancer Institute’s breast health programs, state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment resources, community screenings, support groups, genetic testing services and clinical trials.

To launch the campaign, Churchill Downs and Norton Cancer Institute opened the online nomination process to select 143 breast and ovarian cancer survivors to parade on the historic race track prior to the 143^rd running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. To nominate and select survivors to champion breast and ovarian health in this year’s parade, visit www.kentuckyderby.com/survivors. Nominations are open until 11:59 p.m. on March 17.

The new local partnership and Survivors Parade are the centerpieces of the Oaks Day Pink Out celebration to raise funds and drive national breast and ovarian health awareness. Pink Out has raised more than $820,000 in the past eight years.

As part of this year’s Pink Out, Churchill Downs will donate $50,000 toward the Breast Health Program at Norton Cancer Institute. These funds will help cover the costs for at least 500 treatments for local breast cancer patients to utilize the DigniCap scalp cooling system, an advanced new FDA-cleared technology that helps prevent significant hair loss associated with chemotherapy treatment. Norton Cancer Institute is the first breast cancer care provider in Kentucky and the only health system within a five-state region to offer patients the innovative DigniCap scalp cooling system.

vineyard vines, the Official Style of the Kentucky Derby, will donate 30 percent of proceeds from the sale of the three items in its Kentucky Derby collection to Norton Cancer Institute. These items include a Pink Lily tie; bow tie and Run for the Roses scarf that will be available starting March 15 at www.vineyardvines.com, in vineyard vines retail stores, at select retail partners and through the vineyard vines stores at Churchill Downs Racetrack during Kentucky Derby Week.

The public can support the cause and donate online to Norton Cancer Institute from Tuesday, February 21 -- Sunday, May 7 at www.kentuckyderby.com/survivors. 

“The caregivers at Norton Cancer Institute are all about giving hope to people fighting cancer,” said Lynnie Meyer, Ed.D, R.N., CFRE, Norton Healthcare senior vice president of women's and children's community partnerships, and chief development officer. “The Kentucky Oaks Survivor’s Parade celebrates the hope that every cancer patient has – no matter their stage of treatment. We’re honored to be a part of this year’s event.” 

“We’re excited to partner with such an important local organization to help raise funds that will go directly back into our local community,” said Lauren DePaso, President of Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation. “These are critical health issues that have impacted many of us at Churchill Downs and our community and we are proud to support them on Oaks Day through our partnership with Norton Cancer Institute.” 

About Churchill Downs Racetrack

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) offers year-round simulcast wagering. Churchill Downs will conduct the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on May 6, 2017.  www.ChurchillDowns.com.

About Norton Cancer Institute Breast Health Program

The Norton Cancer Institute Breast Health Program is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. The program was developed to provide comprehensive breast care, including prevention, diagnostic and treatment services, to women in our community. Along with clinical services, the program provides education and support through a team of certified breast care navigators. These registered nurses are specially trained in breast health issues and breast cancer treatment, and are available to assist patients and their families from the point of an abnormal mammogram through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. In 2015, breast health nurse navigators had more than 4,800 interactions with patients. The Breast Health Program also cares for the person within by offering support groups and community education.  The program facilitates the Young Survivors Day Out for women diagnosed at age 45 or younger, and a monthly breast cancer support group for any woman affected by breast cancer. 

About Longines

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. Longines has generations of experience as official timekeeper of world championships and as partner of international sports federation. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd, the World’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 150 countries.

About Kroger

Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 431,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,778 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to 2,230 pharmacies, 785 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,400 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable. Kroger’s Louisville Division operates 94 stores in Kentucky, southern Indiana and southern Illinois.

About Vineyard Vines

vineyard vines®, a company best known for its whimsical neckties and smiling pink whale logo, was founded in 1998 on Martha’s Vineyard when brothers Shep and Ian Murray cut their ties with corporate America to start making ties that represented the Good Life. In addition to signature neckwear, vineyard vines offers a variety of clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Products are sold in over 600 specialty and department stores worldwide, through a seasonal catalog at (800) 892-4982, online at vineyardvines.com and at over 90 freestanding stores.