October 12/19; Volume 30/Number 9
Philadelphia—In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mohawk Flooring partnered with the 2015 Susan G. Komen Philadelphia 3-Day walk held Oct. 2-4 to provide over 800 pieces of SmartCushion carpet cushion for walkers and crew members to place under their sleeping bags at the Pennsylvania Convention Center camp.
With 1,000 walkers and 300 crew members, the 2015 Philadelphia 3-Day raised a total of $2.7 million to help with the organization’s goal toward a world without breast cancer.
Mohawk is committed to raising breast cancer awareness, and the Philadelphia 3-Day is just one way the company gets involved. In fact, as part of its Decorate for the Cure program, Mohawk donates between $0.02 and $0.15 per square yard of SmartCushion carpet cushion to Susan G. Komen with an aggregate guaranteed minimum donation of $200,000. Since 2001 the program, along with Mohawk’s Specify for The Cure, has raised over $3 million in the fight against breast cancer.
Each 3-Day walker was required to raise $2,300 in order to participate and paraded a course of 20 miles per day for a total of 60 miles, stopping to camp out in tents at the Convention Center overnight. The entire route consisted of 20 landmarks, complete with pit stops at popular local restaurants, schools and museums. Cheering stations where family members and friends showed their support were scattered throughout the course. Cancer survivors, people still in active treatment, and families and friends who lost loved ones all began their three-day journey at Willow Grove Park Mall for the opening ceremony, continuing through Pennsylvania to the Liberty Bell and Lincoln Financial Field—among other famed places—and ending with a closing ceremony at The Navy Yard.
After walking 20 miles each day, a majority of the 3-Day participants slept on Mohawk’s SmartCushion, which ensured they were warm after enduring rainy weather and well rested for the next day. “It’s yet another way Mohawk supports our mission, and we’re very grateful for their longtime partnership,” said Christina Alford, Komen’s senior vice president of development. “Together, we’re moving closer to a world without breast cancer.”
In addition to supporting the vision of a breast cancer-free world, Mohawk’s SmartCushion provides added durability, performance and protection. As the only producer of both carpet and cushion in the industry, Mohawk’s SmartCushion viscoelastic memory foam enhances comfort and comes with a 10-year extended warranty. SmartCushion also features antimicrobial protection, a built-in moisture guard that contains antimicrobial additives to prevent the growth of odor-causing mold, mildew and fungus in spills that aren’t cleaned up immediately. Its built-in Spillsafe Moisture Guard prevents spills or stains from seeping down into the cushion. The product also improves insulating and acoustical properties.
“Mohawk SmartCushion is specifically designed to maximize and extend the softness and performance of Mohawk carpet,” said Jon England, Mohawk Flooring’s senior director of cushion. “This eco-friendly cushion is ideal for adding extra comfort at night for these dedicated walkers who are on the journey of a lifetime. This is a meaningful way for us to demonstrate Mohawk’s commitment to Komen in the fight against breast cancer while also actively showcasing the product’s benefits.” Also environmentally friendly, all pieces of SmartCushion used at the 3-Day were recycled immediately following the event’s closing ceremony.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second-most common cancer overall. Every year nearly 2 million cases of breast cancer are diagnosed worldwide. As the largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, Susan G. Komen has made significant strides over the last three decades; the number of women over 40 who now receive regular mammograms has more than doubled and the five-year relative survival rate for early-stage breast cancer is now 99% in the United States. To date, Susan G. Komen has invested more than $2.5 billion in groundbreaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 30 countries.
Mohawk plans to continue raising breast cancer awareness during October with a series of various programs. “Throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re focusing on education in all our social channels, including informative posts shared on Mohawk’s blog, Creative Home,” said Mollie Surratt, senior director of public relations and content. “So many of us have been affected by breast cancer, and this cause is perfect for reaching Mohawk’s target audience demographic to raise awareness while sharing our brand story. Content will be customized for Mohawk retailers to post and share as well.”