8/11/08

Shonny and Mercy Join Forces

This is Big News! Durango's own Shonny Vanlandingham teams up with David Bruzzese and Mercy Regional Medical Center for Breast Cancer... and it's in Bicycling!

David Bruzzese
Mercy Regional Medical Center
(970) 764-3910

Mercy Jersey Featured in Bicycling Magazine

DURANGO, Colo. — A cycling jersey created by Mercy Regional Medical Center and LUNA Chix professional off-road triathlete and mountain biker Shonny Vanlandingham to raise money for the hospital’s new breast care center is featured in the September issue of Bicycling magazine.
Vanlandingham and Mercy Regional Medical Center jointly designed the limited-edition cycling jersey that is for sale to the public. All proceeds from sales of the jerseys are being donated to Mercy Health Foundation’s $3.4 million “Yes Ma’am” capital campaign, which is funding equipment and construction of a comprehensive breast care center at Mercy Regional Medical Center.

“The fact that this jersey was chosen as one of only 12 to appear in Bicycling magazine in 2008 speaks to how important this issue is to so many people,” said Vanlandingham.

According to David Bruzzese of Mercy Regional Medical Center, who worked with Vanlandingham on the project, the ‘Jersey of the Month’ appearance in Bicycling has resulted in calls from across the country. “I’ve been getting calls and e-mail inquiries from people all over the country who want jerseys. Many of them include a personal note about how they or someone they know has been affected by breast cancer. The stories are quite moving and full of hope.”

The jersey design features Vanlandingham’s personal touches, including her signature and an arm band with a turtle design reminiscent of tattoo styles of Hawaii, where Vanlandingham lives part time. The jersey’s primary color scheme is blue and black. The chest and back of the jersey feature the word “Fight” superimposed in pink letters over a large semi-transparent pink ribbon, representing the fight against breast cancer.
Logos of Vanlandingham’s sponsors that contributed to the fundraising project also appear on the jersey. Contributing sponsors include bicycle manufacturer Orbea USA, performance apparel maker Sugoi, athletic footwear maker AVIA, and Vanlandingham’s LUNA Chix Pro team.

Jerseys may be ordered by contacting David Bruzzese at Mercy Regional Medical Center, (970) 764-3910, or davidbruzzese@mercydurango.org. One of the jerseys is on display at Mountain Bike Specialists, 949 Main Ave., in Durango. $25 of the $60 jersey cost is tax deductible. Quantities and sizes are limited.

Vanlandingham currently competes in national mountain bike races and the XTERRA off-road triathlon series. She is a five-time National Champion with titles in cross country, short track, and marathon disciplines. With 15 NORBA National race wins and three NORBA Series Championship titles, Vanlandingham is the most successful rider in NORBA history, male or female. She splits her time between Durango and Captain Cook, Hawaii.

High resolution images of the jersey and Shonny wearing the jersey are available upon request.
davidbruzzese@mercydurango.org