Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs funds breast cancer researcher

Proven Winners announced that funds raised from Invincibelle Spirit, a pink-flowered ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs, in partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), will support the work of Dr. Carey Anders of the University of North Carolina for all of 2013. BCRF offers partners the opportunity to fund a researcher if they donate $250,000 within BCRF’s fiscal year. Proven Winners ColorChoice suggested a North Carolina-based researcher in homage to the state where Invincibelle Spirit hydrangea was developed by Tom Ranney and Richard Olsen at North Carolina State University’s Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Center.

Anders’ BCRF-funded research focuses on new therapies for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), an especially aggressive form of the disease associated with a high rate of recurrence and low survivorship.  Anders’ research embodies the translational approach championed by BCRF – that promising laboratory research should beget clinical trials. Her work shows especially encouraging results for women who have experienced brain metastasis, a common occurrence with TNBC diagnoses.

“We are so excited to show gardeners who have planted an Invincibelle Spirit hydrangea and the garden centers who have hosted Pink Days that their efforts are truly bearing fruit,” said Tim Wood, director of marketing for Proven Winners ColorChoice. “Supporting the work of Dr. Anders is a poignant testament to the power of the garden and nursery industry.”

More than $472,000 has been raised since Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs introduced the plant in 2009. One dollar from every Invincibelle Spirit hydrangea sold has been donated to BCRF. Hundreds of garden centers across the US and Canada have also contributed to the cause by hosting Pink Day fundraisers.

To learn more, visit www.colorchoiceplants.com or www.springmeadownursery.com.