[Ed. Note: Thanks to Red Sox Connection for the tip on a great cause!]

When the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park for their 2008 home opener on Tuesday, 08 April, all of Red Sox Nation will have the opportunity to Rally Against Cancer simply by wearing a Red Sox hat or shirt to work or class. In honor of Rally Against Cancer Day, 08 April 2008, all businesses and schools throughout New England are asked to encourage their staff and students to wear their favorite Red Sox apparel to work or school that day. To Rally Against Cancer, employees and students must each pitch in $5 to help the Jimmy Fund’s quest to beat cancer. The top fundraising business and school team will each win a visit from Red Sox infielder Dustin Pedroia.

“Unfortunately, everyone can’t be at Fenway Park for the home opener,” says Pedroia, honorary chair of Rally Against Cancer, “so this is a great alternative for fans to show support for my two favorite home town teams, the Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund.” To get started, every team must designate a coach to help build the roster and the team’s fundraising total, which will be calculated at 11:00 PM on 08 April 2008. The coaches’ main job is to motivate co-workers and help the company or school become a sea of Red Sox gear on the day of the home opener. Interested businesses and schools can step up to the plate and register at www.rallyagainstcancer.org.

Almost everyone has been affected in some way by cancer. When you join the Rally, you help further cancer research while rooting for the Red Sox, and provide hope to adults and children being treated for cancer worldwide. “I’ve been to Dana-Farber and seen first-hand how overwhelming and life-altering cancer can be for families and patients,” adds Pedroia. “Rally Against Cancer is an easy and fun way for everyone to help the Jimmy Fund, ultimately giving hope to the people who are fighting this awful disease.” Rallying against cancer is as easy as putting on a Sox hat and T-shirt. It’s a great way to build team spirit among co-workers and students, and all contributions will be made and tallied online, eliminating the need to collect and/or send any cash.

For more information, contact Charles Savicki at 617-632-5420, visit www.rallyagainstcancer.org, or view a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

About The Jimmy Fund

The Jimmy Fund supports the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a world-renowned pioneer in discovering and developing innovative, effective cancer therapies for adults and children. Founded in 1948, the Jimmy Fund is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox.