Marg Helgenberger is an American actor who is best known for her work in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as female lead Catherine Willows. Helgenberger was nominated for two Emmys and two Golden Globes for this role. Helgenberger is also known for her role in China Beach where she earned an Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Helgenberger has been included in the Hollywood’s Most Beautiful list many times, in People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” in 2002 and countless other media spotlights recognizing her beauty. Helgenberger has made appearances in other such shows and films as ER, Frasier, Erin Brockovich, In Good Company, Bad Boys and many more.
The Safeway Foundationwas created by Safeway to help support causes that impact the lives of their customers. The stores provide their passionate employee’s with the opportunity to mobilize funding and create awareness through partnership with vendors and generous contributions from customers. Safeway focuses on giving locally in health and human services, hunger relief, education and helping people living with disabilities.
Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) is an initiative created to accelerate cancer research through innovation, collaboration and translational research. SU2C brings together the best and the brightest of researchers, clinicians, technicians and scientists called Dream Teams and encourages their collaboration. SU2C invests in cancer research projects and helps with any and all obstacles that their teams may have.
The Safeway Foundation teamed up with Stand Up to Cancer to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Breast Cancer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). In every Safeway store, you can donate money to Breast Cancer Awareness at checkout and stores will also be holding individual fundraisers. Safeway’s suppliers are getting involved too by donated $5 for every $30 spent on products with a special pink ribbon tag. There has never been a better reason to shop!
Interviewed Conducted Via Email By: Giacinta Pace
Introduction By: Meg Zrini
Q: How did you get involved with Stand Up To Cancer?
Marg: We all know someone who has been touched by cancer. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a junior in college. To this day, I remember exactly how I felt when she told me and how her strength and determination to beat this disease was incredibly empowering. As a result of her battle 30 years ago, I have become deeply committed to the fight against this disease. I am proud to take a stand on behalf of my mother and in support of all the women and families who have been affected by breast cancer.
I have followed Stand Up To Cancer’s work for many years and have been an avid viewer and supporter of their telecasts. I was honored to be asked to support Stand Up To Cancer and the Safeway Foundation for their National Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, which is designed to help raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Safeway Inc. and The Safeway Foundation have raised and donated more than $102 million to breast cancer treatment and research over the past 11 years. These funds benefit leading-edge breast cancer research projects at some of North America’s top cancer centers as well as a range of nonprofit organizations focused on new treatments, raising awareness and enabling early detection.
Q: What is your role with the group?
Marg: I am a proud ambassador for Stand Up To Cancer. I was thrilled to participate at the official declaration of “Stand Up To Cancer Day” in Los Angeles and show my support at the third Stand Up to Cancer fundraising telecast on September 7, 2012, where more than $81 million was pledged to help accelerate ground-breaking cancer research and bring new treatments to patients as quickly as possible.
Q: Is there a particularly moving moment you have had while working with this group?
Marg: I became an advocate in the fight against cancer when I saw how my own mother found the strength to battle back. Since her cancer diagnosis and remission, I have been heavily involved in raising awareness in the fight against cancer, sharing my own personal story and encouraging others to join the cause. Breast cancer claimed the lives of nearly 40,000 women in 2011 alone – we need better treatments faster.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Marg: I encourage everyone to visit http://www.standup2cancer.org/or http://www.safewayfoundation.org/ to help in the fight against cancer. I can imagine a day in the future when cancer no longer takes the lives of our loved ones.