Swig, Home of the Original Dirty Soda™, continues to turn compassion into action with its 5th annual Save The Cups campaign, raising an impressive $364,000 during October. Exceeding its $300,000 goal, this year’s effort brings the campaign’s five-year total to more than $1 million, directly aiding women battling breast cancer by alleviating the financial burden of medical bills.
A Cause Close to the Heart
Save The Cups is far more than a charitable initiative for Swig founder Nicole Tanner — it’s a deeply personal mission. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and uninsured at the time, Tanner was blessed to have her medical expenses covered by others. That life-altering generosity became the inspiration for Save The Cups.
“Save The Cups means everything to me,” Tanner shared. “I know exactly what these women have gone through, and to be able to support them in the same way I was helped all those years ago has been profoundly meaningful. I always say that Swig was born so it could lead us to Save The Cups, and I truly believe that.”
Since Swig’s humble beginnings in 2010, the company has expanded to 85 stores and counting, ending 2024 with a presence in 14 states. Through its growing success, Tanner has found a way to pay forward the kindness she once received, helping breast cancer patients across the country.
Understanding Breast Cancer: Prevalence and Impact
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide aside from skin cancer, with one in eight women in the United States expected to develop the disease in their lifetime. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer accounted for 2.3 million new cases globally in 2020, representing 11.7% of all cancer cases. It is not only prevalent but also a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the critical need for awareness, early detection, and research funding.
In the U.S. alone, approximately 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in 2024, along with 56,500 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer, as reported by the American Cancer Society. Beyond the numbers, breast cancer impacts the lives of millions, including patients, families, and caregivers, with emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Men can also develop breast cancer, though it is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases.
Awareness of breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening options is essential. Regular mammograms, self-examinations, and understanding family history can significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes. Additionally, advancements in research have led to better therapies and higher survival rates, with five-year survival rates now exceeding 90% for localized breast cancer. However, disparities in access to care mean that ongoing advocacy and education remain vital to ensuring all individuals have the resources needed to fight this disease effectively.
Community and Customers Drive the Success
Swig customers played a pivotal role in making this year’s campaign a record-breaker. Funds were raised through the purchase of featured drinks, special merchandise, and direct contributions at Swig locations. The funds will go directly to women battling breast cancer, supporting costs such as treatments and medical care.
The impact is life-changing, as shared by 2023 recipient Courtney Haynie, a breast cancer survivor from Houston, Texas.
“It is an expensive process going through cancer treatment, and it’s already such an emotional and physically draining experience,” Haynie said. “Save The Cups saved our lives financially and allowed us to move forward in one aspect from that terrible experience. We were beyond grateful to have been chosen and to have received that relief.”
In 2023, Swig’s donations provided assistance to 30 women. With this year’s success, even more lives will be touched by the generosity of the campaign and its supporters.
Looking Ahead
Applications for the 2024 Save The Cups campaign are now open, and Swig invites anyone impacted by breast cancer to nominate themselves or others for financial assistance at SaveTheCups.org.
As Swig continues to grow, its commitment to giving back remains a cornerstone of the brand. For more information about Swig and Save The Cups, visit SwigDrinks.com.
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