“Give the American people a good cause, and there’s nothing they can’t lick,” said the legendary John Wayne. Born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, and better known by his nickname “Duke,” John Wayne was an American film actor, director, and producer.
Today, his legacy lives on through the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF), whose mission is to bring courage, strength, and grit in the fight against cancer. Starting on his birthday May 26, 2016, through Father’s Day June 19, 2016, they are launching a “Show Your Grit” campaign to raise awareness and money for the foundations efforts.
Photo: Candice Moore (John Wayne Ent.)
“In 1964 John Wayne beat his battle with lung cancer. He died 15 years later after a struggle with cancer of the stomach. During this difficult period, he became passionate about helping others fight this terrible disease,” states his foundation website. JWCF has continued his passion, and through this campaign hope to provide a platform through which others who have been affected by cancer can come together in the fight against this awful disease. The campaign is meant to attract, engage, and retain a community of John Wayne cancer fighters, while meaningfully supporting the foundations work.
Photo: Candice Moore (John Wayne Ent.)
It’s easy to participate. All you do is post a selfie with the hashtag #ShowYourGrit. Share your selfie or story to honor those who have shown courage and grit in the face of cancer. For every post using the hashtag #ShowYourGrit, an anchor partner of JWCF will donate $1 to the foundation.
Help spread the word throughout the duration of the campaign and invite friends and family to do the same by tagging them in your post. Through this initiative the foundation hopes to create a community of support where participants feel like they are part of a larger fight. All money raised goes towards supporting innovative programs funded by JWCF that help improve cancer patients’ outcomes.
In 1969, “The Duke” won an Academy Award for “True Grit”. To end the campaign festivities, on Father’s Day, June 19, 2016, there will be select theaters across the country screening his western cult classic and fan favorite “True Grit”, states his foundation.
In addition, a big kick off celebration for #ShowYourGrit was held on May 26, 2016 in Texas, where state officials designated the day as John Wayne Day, followed by a Texas Rangers baseball game with free Wayne inspired swag, a fireworks display, and appearances by the Wayne family.
“You know, they may find a cure for cancer even without your help, but if I were you, I wouldn’t bet my life on it.” – John Wayne
Texas screenings for True Grit on June 19, 2016, are below:
11:00 am – STUDIO MOVIE GRILL PEARLAND – Houston, TX
1:00 pm – SANTIKOS BIJOU CINEMA BISTRO – San Antonio, TX
4:00 pm – STUDIO MOVIE GRILL SPRING VALLEY – Dallas, TX
For information about the campaign, follow JWCF on Facebook. To learn more about John Wayne Cancer Foundation and to donate, visit www.johnwayne.org.
About John Wayne Cancer Foundation
Founded in 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was created in honor of John Wayne after his family promised to use his name to continue his fight against cancer. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation’s mission is to bring courage, strength and grit to the fight against cancer. The foundation serves to fund novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients’ outcomes and helps save lives through research, education, awareness and support. Fight cancer with GRIT at www.johnwayne.org
