July 1, 2008 (From Sugoi.com)

Mountain biking legend and member of the LUNA Pro Team, Shonny Vanlandingham has joined the fight against breast cancer by helping raise money for a new breast care center in Durango. Vanlandingham and Mercy Regional Medical Center jointly designed a limited-edition cycling jersey that is for sale to the public. All proceeds from sales of the jerseys will be donated to Mercy Health Foundation's $3.4 million "Yes Ma'am" capital campaign, which is funding equipment and construction of a comprehensive breast care center at Mercy Regional Medical Center.

"One of the most important and rewarding parts of my job as a professional athlete is being able to contribute to causes such as the "Yes Ma'am" campaign. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in this country," said Vanlandingham.

The jersey design features Vanlandingham's personal touches, including her signature and an arm band with a turtle design reminiscent of tattoo styles of Hawaii, where Vanlandingham lives part time. The jersey's primary color scheme is blue and black. The chest and back of the jersey feature the word "Fight" superimposed over a large semi-transparent pink ribbon, representing the fight against breast cancer.

"We created a design that appeals to both men and women because breast cancer touches us all in one way or another and there is universal support for the cause," said David Bruzzese, spokesman at Mercy Regional Medical Center, who worked with Vanlandingham on the project. "The jerseys not only will raise money for the breast care center, but also will raise awareness about the global fight against breast cancer."

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Logos of Vanlandingham's sponsors that are contributing to the fundraising project also appear on the jersey. Contributing sponsors include Orbea USA, performance apparel maker Sugoi, and Vanlandingham's LUNA Pro Team.

Orbea USA to donate pink bike
Orbea USA, maker of high-end mountain and road bikes, has the most prominent logo placement on the jersey, which reflects the company's donation of a pink Orbea Diva high-performance women's road bike that Vanlandingham will ride from Durango to Silverton in the 36th annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Citizen's Tour on May 24. After the event, the $3,500 Diva will be auctioned and the proceeds given to the breast care center campaign.

"Orbea USA is happy to support good people doing good things. We have some history with Shonny and know her to be a great representative on and off the bike. Mercy Regional Medical center is in good hands with a partner like her," said Justin Slarks, marketing director for Orbea USA.

"I encourage the community of Durango to get involved in this effort to help build the most comprehensive breast cancer facility in the region by purchasing a jersey, riding with me in the Iron Horse tour to Silverton, and bidding on my bike," said Vanlandingham.

"We are very fortunate to be working with Shonny and her sponsors on this project. They embody the 'think globally, act locally' mantra. Shonny has a heart of gold and is a great ambassador for her team and for the sport," said Bruzzese.

With 15 NORBA National race wins and three NORBA Series Championship titles, Vanlandingham is the most successful rider in NORBA history, male or female. She splits her time between Durango and Captain Cook, Hawaii.

For more information, email: davidbruzzese@mercydurango.org

About Clif Bar & Company: Clif Bar & Company (www.clifbar.com) is a leading maker of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition foods and drinks, including the CLIF® BAR energy bar and LUNA®, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women. Committed to great food and sustainability, Clif Bar & Company works diligently to reduce its footprint on the planet from the field to the final product.

About the Breast Cancer Fund: The Breast Cancer Fund identifies - and advocates for elimination of - the environmental causes of the disease, and is the only national breast cancer organization focused solely on prevention. Through public education, policy initiatives, outdoor challenges and innovative campaigns, the Breast Cancer Fund mobilizes the public, lawmakers and corporations nationwide to secure the changes needed to stop this devastating disease.