United Airlines Delivers Bear Hugs And Smiles To Kids With Cancer

CHICAGO, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines employees are joining with Lurie Children's Hospital today to deliver teddy bears to Chicago-area kids undergoing cancer treatment. The teddy bear deliveries, happening across the country, are part of a multi-year partnership between United and the American Cancer Society that has raised nearly 200 million MileagePlus miles and nearly $590,000 in the fight against cancer.

For the fifth consecutive year, United customers generously contributed cash and MileagePlus miles to the American Cancer Society during the holidays.  For each $50 cash or 7,500 MileagePlus mile donation, United committed to deliver a limited-edition GUND® teddy bear, Oliver D. World, to a child undergoing cancer treatment.

The donations help support those who need to travel for treatment and the American Cancer Society's mission of fighting cancer through balanced programs of research, education, patient service, advocacy and rehabilitation.

"There is no greater joy than seeing children smile when we walk into their hospital rooms with a cuddly new teddy bear," said Sonya Jackson, president, United Airlines Foundation. "That is truly the heart of the program – giving a child undergoing treatment, and the United co-workers who participate, a reason to smile."

United employees, including customer service representatives, ramp and maintenance workers, flight attendants and pilots are joining together to deliver Oliver D. World to children at hospitals in Chicago, Houston, Denver, San Francisco, Oakland, Newark, Cleveland, Los Angeles and Washington.

United proudly supports hundreds of organizations like the American Cancer Society that work to improve lives through health and education, provide opportunities for youth, connect the city with arts and culture, and improve the environment. United's 86,000 employees worldwide offer their time, talents and energy to make an impact in their communities.

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