Florida Marlins Logan Morrison Named Christmas SealsĀ® Chairperson in Miami

MIAMI, Fl. (November 1, 2010)

Florida Marlins Logan Morrison will serve as Miami’s official chairperson for the 2010 Christmas Seals® campaign. Morrison, who joined the Marlins in July, has a personal connection to the American Lung Association’s mission of improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

“My family has seen the effects of this deadly disease first hand as my father is battling lung cancer,” said Morrison. “I wanted to do something to help inspire and educate others and the opportunity to be the Christmas Seals® Chairperson and promote the American Lung Association was a perfect fit. Until my father got sick, I admittedly wasn’t as aware of lung disease as I probably should have been. I am out to change that mindset and raise awareness because this impacts so many people.”

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Logan is considered a rising star and has been successful in his rookie year with the Florida Marlins as an outfielder. Called up on July 27, Morrison played in 62 games last season with the Marlins, recording 69 hits including 20 doubles. He also posted a 42-game on base streak which was tied for the league lead for the longest streak this season. His work with the American Lung Association further demonstrates his commitment to this community and to improving its health and well-being.

“We are thrilled to welcome Logan as our chairperson for the 2010 campaign,” said Martha Bogdan, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Southeast, Inc. “The Christmas Seals® rich holiday tradition continues to positively impact our fight for air  the local level by supporting services and programs surrounding healthy air and healthy lungs.”

The Christmas Seals® tradition is rich in history. In 1907, when tuberculosis was widespread and claimed the lives of countless individuals, treatment facilities called sanatoriums sprung up around the country, but most were makeshift and could only care for a few patients at a time. One of these sanatoriums in Delaware, which was in desperate financial straits, was run by a doctor named Joseph Wales. Dr. Wales asked his cousin, Emily Bissell, for help in raising money to care for the patients. Emily came up with the fundraising idea of the Christmas Seals® and the American Lung Association has used this concept for over one hundred years.

For more information on the history of Christmas Seals® or to place your order, make a donation or to share your personal Christmas Seals® story please visit www.ChristmasSeals.org.  

 

###

About the American Lung Association in Florida

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in Florida is the leading organization in the state working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association in Florida, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungfla.org.