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For more than 37 years, American Airlines Captain Steve Hayes has dedicated
his career to connecting people and places around the world. In support of
American’s 10th annual Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) fundraising
campaign, Captain Hayes shares his personal cancer journey and reflects
on the role that health and wellness, the support of loved ones and a
positive outlook played along the way.
Captain Hayes’ experience is a powerful reminder of why the work of SU2C
matters. Through its collaborative approach to funding groundbreaking cancer
research, SU2C helps accelerate scientific discoveries and lifesaving
treatments for patients and families affected by the disease.
American has supported SU2C since 2016, raising more than more than $39
million to support innovative cancer research and advancing a shared commitment
to caring for people through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Customers and team members are invited to support this year’s campaign.
Through Sept. 30, 2026, donors who give $25 or more to Stand Up To Cancer
online will receive 25 AAdvantage® bonus miles for every dollar
donated. Every contribution helps fund research that brings hope to patients
and families and moves us closer to a future where every cancer diagnosis has a
better outcome.
Learn more about how to donate at SU2C.org/AmericanAirlines.
*Terms and conditions apply
About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to
the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern
United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to
more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200
million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000
aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of
caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026,
reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever
ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American
introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and
the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer
experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the
oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900
destinations around the globe.
Get the latest about American at https://news.aa.com/ and https://x.com/AmericanAir.
About Stand Up To Cancer
Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) raises awareness and funds research to
detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. SU2C is a
501(c)(3) charitable organization and was initially launched as a division of
the Entertainment Industry Foundation.
Established in 2008 by media and entertainment leaders, SU2C utilizes these
communities’ resources to engage the public in supporting a new, collaborative
model of cancer research, to increase awareness about cancer prevention, and to
highlight progress being made in the fight against the disease. As of April
2025, more than 3,100 scientists representing more than 210 institutions are
involved in SU2C-funded research projects.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is SU2C’s scientific
partner. A Scientific Advisory Committee, led by William G. Nelson, M.D.,
Ph.D., conducts rigorous competitive review processes to identify the best
research proposals to recommend for funding, oversee grants administration, and
provide expert review of research progress.
Current members of the SU2C Founders and Advisors Committee (FAC) include
Katie Couric, Sherry Lansing, Kathleen Lobb, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue
Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, and Ellen Ziffren. The late Laura Ziskin and the
late Noreen Fraser are also co-founders. Julian Adams, Ph.D., serves as SU2C’s
president and CEO.
For more information visit https://standuptocancer.org/, https://www.instagram.com/su2c/, https://www.tiktok.com/@su2c?, https://x.com/su2c, https://www.facebook.com/SU2C/, and https://www.youtube.com/user/SU2C.