Starting today, United Airlines employees will begin delivering thousands of teddy bears to kids undergoing cancer treatment at hospitals across the country through a partnership with the American Cancer Society® that raised almost 27 million Mileage Plus miles.
“Each teddy bear we deliver symbolizes hope that individuals may overcome cancer with the necessary treatment and with the money raised, the American Cancer Society is one step closer to finding a cure.”
During the holidays, when customers donated at least 7,500 Mileage Plus miles or $50 to the American Cancer Society, United said it would deliver an adorably soft GUND® teddy bear named Holden Hugyou to a child undergoing cancer treatment, and now the bears are being delivered. The donated miles will provide flights to individuals and care givers who need to travel for treatment and the money raised helps support the American Cancer Society’s mission of fighting cancer through balanced programs of research, education, patient service, advocacy and rehabilitation.
“Customers and employees have shown their overwhelming support by donating their money and miles to ensure those who need cancer treatment receive it,” says Sonya Jackson, president – United Airlines Foundation. “Each teddy bear we deliver symbolizes hope that individuals may overcome cancer with the necessary treatment and with the money raised, the American Cancer Society is one step closer to finding a cure.”
United Airlines employees including customer service representatives, ramp and maintenance employees, flight attendants and pilots will deliver Holden Hugyou to children at hospitals in Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington D.C.
Holden is the new brother of Maye I. Hugyou and Kenny Hugyou, who were delivered to children under the same initiative in 2009 and 2008. To date, United customers have donated more than 125 million Mileage Plus miles and $460,000.
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