Release of Universal Film The Express Draws Attention to Tragedy of Lives Cut Short by Blood Cancer

Release of Universal Film The Express Draws Attention to Tragedy of Lives Cut Short by Blood Cancer

Rob Brown, Starring as Football Hero and Leukemia Victim Ernie Davis, Is Spokesperson for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2008 Light The Night(R) Walk

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernie Davis, a 1960s football hero who was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, is the subject of the new film from Universal Pictures, The Express, coming to theaters Friday, Oct. 10. Davis overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become an unstoppable running back for the Syracuse University Orangemen. But his dreams of pursuing a career in the NFL as a member of the Cleveland Browns came to an abrupt end when he was tragically struck down by leukemia and died in 1963 at the age of 23.

Ernie Davis is played by Rob Brown, the spokesperson for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) 2008 Light The Night Walk, a fundraising campaign that is taking place over the next few weeks in communities across the country.

"Ernie Davis's dreams were cut short by leukemia at the age of 23," says Brown. "Playing the role of Davis has helped me understand that all blood- cancer patients deserve to live better, longer lives and that supporting research to help make cures happen is critical."

"Rob Brown is an outstanding role model and a compassionate spokesperson for our cause," said Nancy Klein, LLS's chief marketing and revenue officer. "His involvement with Light The Night and The Express goes a long way toward raising awareness about the urgency of finding cures and better treatments."

   To learn more or to support blood cancer research visit www.lls.org.    About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society  

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(R), headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 68 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the LLS has invested more than $600 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the LLS made 6.3 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

For more information about blood cancer, visit www.LLS.org or call the LLS Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by master's level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC information specialists are available at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

   Contact:   Andrea Greif   914-821-8958   andrea.greif@lls.org  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

CONTACT: Andrea Greif, +1-914-821-8958, andrea.greif@lls.org

Web site: http://www.lls.org/

---

Profile: International Entertainment