Ford and Lilly Pulitzer 'Tie Up' to Fight Breast Cancer

DEARBORN, Mich., May 8, 2003 -- Ford Motor Company is "tied up" with fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer(R), for its 2003 breast cancer awareness campaign "Get Tied to the Cause."

The campaign features a commemorative bandanna, based on a one-of-a-kind Lilly Pulitzer design, to promote Ford's breast cancer awareness campaign and longstanding relationship with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Race for the Cure(R) Series.

The Lilly bandanna is the sixth in a series of designs that Ford has commissioned to support breast cancer awareness and research. The bandanna will make its official debut Mother's Day weekend at all Komen Race for the Cure events starting May 10. Ford will distribute more than 500,000 free bandannas at all races nationwide throughout the year.

"Each year, the bandanna serves to symbolize the strength, courage and commitment of the racers that support the cause," said Steve Lyons, Ford Division president. "Since Lilly Pulitzer fashions symbolize the happy times in life, we couldn't think of a better design to add to our collection."

The playful, pink and green patchwork bandanna combines an exclusive Lilly Pulitzer butterfly pattern and a vintage Ford car design. Race participants are encouraged to wear the bandanna as they run or walk, symbolizing their commitment and support in the fight against breast cancer.

"Breast cancer isn't something that can be tackled alone," said Lilly Pulitzer. "We are a longtime supporter of the cause and hope this bandanna will inspire others to become involved and show their commitment."

In 2003, an estimated 211,300 new invasive cases of breast cancer are expected among women in the United States and 39,800 women will die from breast cancer. An additional estimated 1,300 men will be diagnosed and 400 men will die of breast cancer in 2003. Breast cancer is the leading cancer form among American women and is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths. The disease is the leading cause of cancer deaths among 40- to 59-year-old women.

Ford is an official National Series Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's signature event that raises money to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. During the past 10 years, Ford has dedicated more than $60 million in support of the cause.

In 2003, races will be held in more than 100 U.S. cities and three foreign countries with more than 1.4 million participants expected.

The Lilly Pulitzer fashion enterprise began in the early 1960s in Palm Beach, Florida, with a comfortable and colorful juice stand uniform that was admired and desired by the fashion-forward social set in town. That simple dress became Lilly's first "Classic Shift" and launched a business whose unique designs are recognized around the world.