In an effort to continue raising awareness and funds for breast cancer care and research, the Eagles launched their annual Tackling Breast Cancer initiative Wednesday.

To kick off Tackling Breast Cancer, Eagles' owner Christina Lurie and Senior Vice President of Business Operations Mark Donovan toured the Jefferson-Honickman Breast Imaging Center, the first completed phase of the new Jefferson Breast Care Center, with Eagles fan and breast cancer survivor Kristyna Eagle, as well as Jefferson Breast Care Center patients Jennifer Weiss and Christine Shur.

Led by Jefferson Breast Care Center administrator Roseanne Iacono and Director of Breast Imaging Dr. Barbara Cavanaugh, the group was able to see how the team and fan donations have helped to provide breast care at this state-of-the-art facility.

While touring the center, Eagle shared her story of purchasing the Eagles Tackling Breast Cancer hat. Being a lifelong Eagles fan, she bought the hat prior to being diagnosed in support of the disease. Once she herself had battled breast cancer, she became an advocate for the cause, encouraging fans to purchase the hats because she knew where the money was going to go. Your TBC Donations Making A Difference

Now in its fifth year, the Eagles Tackling Breast Cancer campaign encourages fans to support this important cause by purchasing pink merchandise with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Jefferson Breast Care Center. Throughout the month of October, the Eagles will be selling a variety of hats and a new men's tie at their two home games, the Eagles Pro Shop, 150 Sovereign Bank locations, ACME Markets, CJ's Tires locations and on PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Other fundraising events will take place throughout October to raise money and awareness for this cause.

Over the past four seasons, through the support and generosity of Eagles fans and partners, the team has raised more than $850,000 through the Tackling Breast Cancer campaign. The money raised has helped fund the Jefferson Breast Care Center and its Jefferson-Honickman Breast Imaging Center, which provides digital mammography, breast ultrasound and image-guided biopsies.

This year's efforts will help Jefferson build an educational floor in the Jefferson Breast Care Center. This floor will feature a resource library and education center where women can learn about breast cancer and its many risk factors. The educational center will be dedicated to the Philadelphia Eagles in recognition of their fundraising efforts.

"The Eagles are special partners for us and they don't just bring the Eagles name to the table," said Thomas Jefferson University Hospital President and CEO Tom Lewis. "They bring a tremendous number of dedicated fans who support the Eagles and who have supported this program."

Below is a list of Tackling Breast Cancer events the Eagles will be holding throughout the month of October. Dates and locations are subject to change.
- PhiladelphiaEagles.com is holding a sweepstakes where fans who donate $10 online are registered to win one of three prizes, including lunch with a player and a tour of the NovaCare Complex, a road trip to an away game in 2009 or an away-game party and a tour of Lincoln Financial Field. Also, fans can also check out the team store's page where the latest pink tie and various Tackling Breast Cancer hats are sold.

-Sunday, Oct. 5: Eagles vs. Redskins:Jefferson employees will be at the stadium's entrances selling Tackling Breast Cancer merchandise. Proceeds will benefit Jefferson Breast Care Center.

-Tuesday, Oct. 14: Punt, Pass and Kick presented by CJ's Tire and Automotive Services:The Eagles will be holding a Punt, Pass and Kick event for 50 children, ages 4−12. Twenty-five of those children will be selected as a part of a drawing by CJ's Tire & Automotive Services where they will reward 25 of their customers who donated to Tackling Breast. The other 25 participants will be children of breast cancer survivors, selected by the Eagles and the Jefferson Breast Care Center.

- Tuesday, Oct. 21: Boyds Fundraising Event:The Eagles are holding an exclusive event at Boyds for the players, staff and special guests, where a portion of the proceeds from sales that evening will go toward Tackling Breast Cancer. This event is closed to the public.

- Thursday, Oct. 23: King of Prussia Mall:Eagles players, cheerleaders and SWOOP, the Eagles mascot, will be at the mall to meet fans and raise awareness about breast cancer. Tackling Breast Cancer merchandise will be on sale and fans who purchase the pink merchandise or make a donation to Tackling Breast Cancer at the King of Prussia Mall will be able to receive an autograph from an Eagles player.

- Sunday, Oct. 26: Eagles vs. Falcons:Jefferson employees will be selling Tackling Breast Cancer merchandise at Lincoln Financial Field, with a portion of the sales going to the Jefferson Breast Care Center.

- Monday, Oct. 27: Tackling Breast Cancer Tent Sale with Eskin Broadcasting Live:Howard Eskin, Sports Radio 610 WIP host, will be broadcasting live from the Eagles Pro Shop at Lincoln Financial Field as the Eagles sell autographed memorabilia from past players with all proceeds going toward Tackling Breast Cancer. The entire cheerleading squad will be on hand to sign autographs as well.