Emergen-C Pink® and The Keep A Breast Foundation Award Five $10,000 Research Grants

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA. – (October 18, 2010) – Every three minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Emergen-C Pink® and The Keep A Breast Foundation are awarding five $10,000 research grants to admirable organizations and institutions dedicated to making a positive impact in the fight against breast cancer.

Alacer Corp. is dedicated to the cause as a proponent of a healthy and active lifestyle. Said President and CEO Ron Fugate, “In partnership with The Keep A Breast Foundation, it is with great pleasure that we award research grants to the following leaders and organizations that are taking a stand to make the world a better, healthier place for future generations through alternative care, and cutting edge research.”

California State University, Fresno Biology Department – Evaluating the bio-accumulation effects of pesticides in promoting breast cancer.

Dr. Jason Bush and his team are investigating whether gene alterations play a role in breast cancer development in Hispanic women of California’s Central Valley, a region where elevated levels of pesticide exposure exist. Pesticides from the environment can accumulate in fat tissue surrounding the breast to potentially cause accelerated growth of cells. If breast cells have alterations in genes needed for normal growth and repair, this could increase the risk of developing breast cancer. For more information, visit http://www.csufresno.edu/biology/.

University of California San Diego, Moores’ Cancer Center – Observational Pilot Study of Breast Density, Ki67, and Cyclin D1 Among Recently Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients

This project led by Dr. Sarah Blair will study if a novel device for whole breast ultrasound can be used to identify women at higher risk for developing breast cancer by examining tissue density. They hope to help prevent breast cancer in the future by identifying high-risk women using a technique that does not use radiation or invasive procedures. For more information, visit http://cancer.ucsd.edu/.

Essentially Pink – Tap Your Tulips

Designed by Lara Koljonen, a Licensed Acupuncturist and the founder of Essentially Pink, this project will measure the effectiveness of the “Tulip Treatment,” a breast health protocol based on Chinese medicine techniques, in combination with the Healing Resource Room, utilizing biofeedback and guided imagery use. The hypothesis is that participants who complete this program will report more joy, ease, and contentment and less physical and mental discomfort and pain. For more information, visit http://www.essentiallypink.com.

The Rack Pack – Complementary Care Resources for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer survivor Allison Briggs designed this research project to identify complementary health care options for breast cancer treatment, recovery, and overall improved quality of life. The researcher plans to use her findings for practical applications in the foundation of a non-profit organization (The Rack Pack) that supports women affected by breast cancer by providing resources, education, and financial assistance for complementary care services. For more information, visit http://www.therackpack.org.

Bloom Natural Health – The Bloom Natural Health Clinical Test

Dr. Amanda Ward and her staff have designed a three-phase clinical study that they hope will provide the basis for a low-cost program for women with several common breast complaints, to help maintain healthy breasts, and potentially avoid costly and invasive procedures. The ultimate benefit of the program would be to establish a low cost program that shows efficacy in reducing breast disease risk for women ages 18-50. For more information, visit http://www.bloomnaturalhealth.com.

“Each grant recipient demonstrated a spirit of change in regard to breast cancer research,” said Shaney jo Darden, founder of The Keep A Breast Foundation. “Our actions impact the world on a higher note than most realize. In our fast paced lives today, it is easy to forget that we have a responsibility to future generations and we at KAB feel these recipients will make an impact toward lasting, positive change.”

For every box of Emergen-C Pink sold, 20¢ is donated to fund breast cancer awareness, research and prevention efforts. To-date, more than $300,000 has been donated to The Keep A Breast Foundation and other breast cancer research, awareness and prevention groups.

Emergen-C Pink is a wonderfully sweet pink lemonade flavored drink mix that fizzes in water to provide 24 nutrients, including 1,000 mg of vitamin C to support immune systems,* seven B vitamins to enhance energy naturally,* and electrolytes to refuel and replenish post workout.* Emergen-C Pink is naturally delicious – no artificial flavors or sweeteners.

About The Keep A Breast Foundation (KAB)

The Keep A Breast Foundation™ is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and support. Through art events, educational programs and fundraising efforts, we seek to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being. http://www.keep-a-breast.org

About Alacer Corp.

For more than 35 years, Alacer Corp., based in Foothill Ranch, Calif., has been an industry leader and innovator in developing, manufacturing and marketing dietary supplements and nutritionally enhanced products that support an energetic, healthy lifestyle. It produces almost 500 million packets annually of Emergen-C effervescent vitamin drink mix, which is sold in health food stores, supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers and club stores nationwide.

About Emergen-C

The Emergen-C brand provides fun, fast ways to enhance your health and energy every day.* The product line is sold in more than 15 flavors, including the original formula with top-sellers Super Orange and Raspberry. Philanthropic flavors include Emergen-C BLUE® to benefit Surfrider Foundation®; Emergen-C Pink® to fund breast cancer awareness, research and prevention efforts; and Emergen-C Planet™ to benefit Whole Planet Foundation®. The complete Multi-Vitamin line offers formulas for kids and adults, while the functional products include Joint Health, Heart Health and a new Vitamin D & Calcium Bone Health Formula.* For consumers looking for an even faster way to feel the good, Emergen-C now offers a liquid concentrated shot. For more information about Emergen-C products, please visit http://www.emergenc.com.