DEARBORN, Mich., May 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When Ford Mustang business manager Jackie DiMarco was working on the development of the "Warriors in Pink" package for the 2008 Mustang, which was designed to raise money for breast cancer education and research, she had no idea that the project would hit so close to home.
"We were ready to roll with the 'Warriors in Pink' program in the fall of 2006, and in February of 2007, I discovered a lump in my breast that turned out to be malignant," said DiMarco, who shares her story on Sunday's NBC's "Today" show. "I have always supported Ford's efforts with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, but despite the staggering statistics associated with breast cancer, you never think it's going to happen to you."
DiMarco had no reason to think that it would happen to her. She had none of the risk factors typically associated with breast cancer.
She led a relatively healthy lifestyle, had no family history of the disease and was only 34 years old at the time of her diagnosis. Most women don't even start having mammograms until they reach age 40, consistent with screening recommendations by the American Cancer Society.
"When I went in for the mammogram, I thought the technicians would think I was being ridiculous for even having it checked out," she recalled.
Unfortunately, there was reason for concern. The mammogram revealed a tumor, and a biopsy proved it was cancerous.
"The whole experience was surreal and very scary," shared DiMarco, whose twin girls were 3 years old at the time. "The worst part was right after the diagnosis when I didn't know yet if the cancer had spread."
Fortunately for DiMarco, the cancer had not metastasized. After four surgeries, her prognosis is excellent. Others, however, are not so lucky. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly a quarter of the 182,480 women in the United States diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 will die from the disease.
In DiMarco's case, the cancer was caught in time. She credits Ford and the company's "Warriors in Pink" initiative with raising her awareness about breast cancer and the need for early detection.
"Ford has been a huge supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure ever since I joined the company 12 years ago," she said. "I've got to think that all the constant reminders helped push me to get things checked out quickly."
As DiMarco and the rest of the Ford Mustang team prepare to launch the 2009 Mustang with an optional "Warriors in Pink" package, she says she has gained a new perspective.
"Before my diagnosis, I thought it was a great thing because we were supporting Komen through the 'Warriors in Pink' package," said DiMarco. Ford doubled its contributions this year to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to $500 for each "Warriors in Pink" Mustang sold.
"Now, it's still about raising money for a worthy cause, but there's a lot more to it," she said. "There's a certain amount of pride that comes along with going through something like this and surviving it. I think this car gives women an avenue to display that pride and to show what they've been through and what they've accomplished."
Available on the Mustang V-6 premium coupe and convertible models, the "Warriors in Pink" package includes a unique grille with a pink ribbon and pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floor mats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching.
"We didn't over-paint it or make it too much, because being a breast cancer survivor is part of who you are, not all of who you are," explained Allison Revier, Mustang product marketing manager.
Ford Motor Company has dedicated more than $95 million in cash and in-kind contributions to breast cancer education and research to date. The company's goal for 2008 is to donate more than $1 million to the Cure through the sale of the special Mustangs, "Warriors in Pink" apparel and other fundraising efforts.
Since 1994, Ford has served as a National Series Sponsor of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure(R). More than 100 races are held throughout the year in various parts of the country. To locate a race in your hometown or for more information about "Warriors in Pink," please visit www.fordcares.com.
Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs.