Press Release assignment

Note: This is a fictitious press release created for COM-510 as part of the Master of Communications program at Southern New Hampshire University.  I wanted to do something different and not simply write an obituary type release, so I am writing it from the perspective of a potential release by the American Lung Association in the days following his death.  It would be sent in a timely fashion but a respectful distance from the death itself.  The last thing an organization would want is a perception of taking advantage of an individual's death.   However if done appropriately it could be very effective.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Football Legend Loses Battle with Lung Cancer

American Lung Association urges action to honor his memory

Interview and video opportunities available

January 24, 2012

In the coming days we will hear dramatic stories of football heroics and perhaps controversy about Joe Paterno’s departure at Penn state.  The American Lung Association respectfully asks to honor his memory by searching for a cure of the disease that took his life.

As reported by numerous news outlets, legendary Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno passed away from lung cancer.  While his high profile death creates enormous attention, lung cancer sadly kills more than 150,000 people every year.  

Consider these alarming lung cancer stats:

*Leading cancer killer

*Nearly 160,000 people will die from it in 2014

*Nearly 225,000 new cases expected in 2014

Donate money or simply encourage a friend struggling to quit smoking.   There is no gesture or donation too small to help fight this deadly disease that claimed the life of football legend Joe Paterno and thousands of others.

American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer is available for satellite, radio, phone or Skype interviews.  We can also connect you with lung cancer patients willing to share their story.  In addition, we can assist setting up interviews at a local clinic for visual and video opportunities.

Click here for downloadable images and quotes

Contact:

Tim Boyum

Cell – 123-456-7890

Email – prdirector@americanlungassoc.org

The American Lung Association would like to pay their respects to the family of legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.  He passed away today from lung cancer.  In his honor, please share your stories of courage in this fight against lung cancer and help spread awareness about the need for further research to find a cure!