Following the release of the first charity skin, Pink Mercy, earlier this year; Blizzard is excited to share how donations from the Overwatch community are being used; by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to advance critical research and strive for an end to breast cancer.
Thanks to all of you, they were able to raise USD $12.7 million; the largest donation made by a corporate partner in a single year within BCRF’s 25-year history. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and, in the spirit of transparency; BCRF has shared some insights on how the funds raised are being used to support research; into understanding, preventing, and treating breast cancer.
THREE CRITICAL PROGRAMS:
The donation of over USD $12.7 million will fuel three critical programs; that examine every aspect of a breast cancer diagnosis and will change the lives of women and men; across the globe.
- BCRF Precision Prevention Initiative
- BCRF will fuel innovative prevention research to reduce the incidence of breast cancer; including creating new tools and tests for improved screenings and diagnostics. These programs will advance the understanding of inherited risk and pursue population-based genetic risk assessment; to help those deemed at risk before the disease takes place.
- BCRF Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium Award
- The BCRF Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium Award; funded by the Pink Mercy donations, will help launch five new clinical trials this year.
- These clinical trials are conducted within a consortium comprised of 19 medical institutions and nearly 200 investigators; aimed at accelerating new treatments for patients with breast cancer.
- 25 Annual BCRF Research Grants
- Your donations will fund 25 research grants, which will be distributed to studies in seven different research fields that focus on diagnosis and treatment.
- The Blizzard Entertainment funded research grants will be distributed to 29 researchers; in eight total countries located in six different continents around the globe.
