"Many people are very passionate about this cause and, like me, are proud to increase awareness about the fight against breast cancer and to help women get screened,” said Vanlandingham. All proceeds from sales of the new jerseys will be donated to a Mercy Health Foundation fund that ensures every woman in the area who needs a screening mammogram gets one, regardless of ability to pay.
Like the original jerseys, which were sold in 2008, the new design prominently features the word ‘fight.” But this year, a small pink ribbon replaces the dot of the “i,” symbolizing the fight against breast cancer. The jersey also features an arm band with a Hawaiian turtle design and the logo of Vanlandingham’s Kona coffee company, Wahine Farms, a jersey sponsor. Other logos that appear on the jersey include Mercy Regional Medical Center, bicycle manufacturer Orbea, and Mountain Bike Specialists. The jersey’s primary color scheme is eggplant and gray, with white and pink accents.
“We decided to produce another jersey because the response to first edition—from women and men—was so great,” said David Bruzzese, spokesman at Mercy Regional Medical Center. “And we’re pleased to offer online purchasing this year, which will make buying jerseys much more convenient,” said Bruzzese. The original jersey was featured as “Jersey of the Month” in the September 2008 issue of Bicycling magazine, prompting inquiries from across the country. All proceeds from sales of the 2008 jerseys went to a Mercy Health Foundation fund to help build Mercy Regional Breast Care Center, which opened in November of 2009.
The new jerseys can be purchased online for $65 at Mercy's gift shop. Men’s and women’s sizes are available, but quantities are limited.
Vanlandingham is the current points leader in the women’s professional division of the 2010 U.S. XTERRA off-road triathlon series. With 15 National Off-Road Bicycling Association (NORBA) national race wins and three NORBA Series Championship titles, Vanlandingham is among the most successful riders in NORBA history, male or female. She splits her time between Durango and Captain Cook, Hawaii.
About Mercy Regional Medical Center
Mercy Regional Medical Center is a full-service, 82-bed acute care hospital. As a not-for-profit hospital and member of Catholic Health Initiatives, Mercy is committed to improving the health and wellness of the communities it serves. See www.mercydurango.org for more information.