Boehringer Ingelheim and Minor League Baseball Team Up to Raise Awareness of Rare Lung Disease - IPF
- Boehringer Ingelheim named “Official IPF Awareness Partner of Minor League Baseball™”
- Partnership will educate fans about telltale symptoms of IPF through “Breathless Blowout” events at 15 ball parks
- New York Yankees legend Bernie Williams to rally fans in disease awareness efforts at game-day appearances, including All-Star game
Ridgefield, Conn., March 28, 2018 – Boehringer Ingelheim announced today a new partnership with Minor League Baseball® (MiLB™) to further raise awareness of the rare lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) through its Breathless™ campaign. Now the “Official IPF Awareness Partner of Minor League Baseball,” Boehringer Ingelheim will work with the league to educate its fan base about symptoms of IPF – and the importance of an early diagnosis and treatment – through in-stadium events as well as appearances by New York Yankees legend and musician Bernie Williams, whose father passed away from the disease in 2001.
The partnership will include 75 “Breathless Blowout” game days at 15 MiLB ballparks throughout the country this season. To raise awareness of breathlessness, the telltale symptom of IPF, fans will be provided gum and encouraged to blow bubble gum bubbles during the games. Educational information throughout the stadium will encourage those who may be suffering with IPF to seek early diagnosis and treatment.
“Teaming up with Boehringer Ingelheim and Minor League Baseball is a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience for a cause that is so close to my heart – raising IPF awareness,” said Bernie Williams. “This partnership will truly come to life with the help of MiLB and its fan base, and we are looking forward to making a difference for those affected by IPF.”
Williams will appear at several “Breathless Blowout” game days to share his story and message of hope with fans and participate in other in-stadium activities like throwing out the first pitch or performing “Take Me Out to The Ball Game” on guitar. During the July 11 Eastern League All-Star Game in Trenton, NJ, Williams will rally fans in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record™ for bubble gum bubbles blown at once.
Al Masucci, vice president, IPF Business Unit, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. added, “Through our partnership with Minor League Baseball, we aim to take disease recognition to new heights nationally and do our part in increasing the chances of an early and accurate IPF diagnosis for those who may be living with this complicated disease that is all-too-often confused with other more common respiratory illnesses.”
David Wright, chief marketing and commercial officer for Minor League Baseball, said, “With the help of baseball great Bernie Williams, we eagerly join and support this great cause and look to play an important role in raising awareness about this serious lung disease among Minor League Baseball fans.”
For more information about IPF and the Breathless campaign visit www.BreathlessIPF.com and help raise awareness by sharing videos and educational content through social media.
Batter up! This baseball season @MiLB & the legendary Bernie Williams @bw51official are teaming up w/@BoehringerUS to raise #IPF awareness & maybe even break a Guinness World Record! #BreathlessIPF Tweet
About idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
IPF is a rare and serious lung disease that causes permanent scarring of the lungs, and makes it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of IPF include breathlessness during activity, a dry and persistent cough, chest discomfort, fatigue and weakness. Although considered “rare,” IPF affects up to 132,000 Americans, and about 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every year with IPF – enough to fill some baseball stadiums. There are IPF treatments available, including supplemental oxygen, cough management and pulmonary rehabilitation, which can include special exercises or breathing strategies. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drugs specifically indicated for the treatment of IPF.
About Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation.
Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, the company operates globally with approximately 50,000 employees. Since its founding in 1885, the company has remained family-owned and today creates value through innovation for three business areas including human pharmaceuticals, animal health and biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing.
Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to improving lives and providing valuable services and support to patients and their families. Our employees create and engage in programs that strengthen our communities. Please visit our website to learn more about how we make more health for more people through our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.us, or follow us on Twitter @BoehringerUS.
About Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information visit MiLB.com.
Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Contact:
Boehringer Ingelheim
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Name: Paul Wynn
Public Relations
Phone: 203-798-4887
Email: [email protected]