CHICAGO, July 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicago Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo and the Chicago Tribune today launched “Cancer Can’t Compete,” a new campaign to inspire Chicago area families battling cancer and raise funds for cancer research. In partnership with Mariano’s and the University of Chicago Medicine, the initiative will spotlight Chicago area patients and families who are fighting cancer and share the reality of their battles in stories run by the Chicago Tribune.

Every Sunday beginning July 22, the 16-week campaign will feature intimate stories of 12 cancer patients and their families with Chicago Tribune readers. The patients participating in the initiative represent a wide range of ages, races and cancer diagnoses, including many who have participated in clinical trials and leading-edge treatments.

“There is not a person who has escaped the burdens of cancer, and it is a fight we are all in together,” said tronc Senior Vice President of Advertising Pamela Henson. “‘ Cancer Can’t Compete ’   will reveal the immense level of support people are willing to offer in the fight against cancer – even to complete strangers. No one is alone in this.”

Rizzo, a survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma, will lead the initiative by calling on readers and Chicagoans to support patients, their families and cancer research by donating to “ Cancer Can’t Compete ” which is benefiting the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation  and the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additionally, Mariano’s Illinois locations will offer shoppers the opportunity to support the cause by making contributions at check-out Aug. 1 - 14, 2018.

“When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, I realized that no matter how difficult fighting cancer was for me, it was even more difficult for my family. I believe that an individual does not battle cancer, but rather the whole family does,” said Rizzo. “When I was told in 2008 that I was in remission, I knew I wanted to become a role model to help cancer patients and their families. I couldn’t be more excited to kick-off this campaign. ‘ Cancer Can’t Compete ’ is an initiative that our whole City can get behind to lend support to families everywhere fighting cancer.”

About tronc, Inc. tronc, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRNC ) is a media company rooted in award-winning journalism.  Headquartered in Chicago, tronc operates newsrooms in nine markets with titles including the  Chicago Tribune ,  New York Daily News ,  The Baltimore Sun ,  Orlando Sentinel , South Florida's  Sun-Sentinel , Virginia’s  Daily Press  and  The Virginian-Pilot ,  The Morning Call  of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and the Hartford Courant.

Andrew Touhy, Culloton Strategies – 847.337.9451 Contact: Marisa Kollias, tronc – 312.914.3682