From: Ryan Stanzel
Director of Communications
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
713.361.7930 (Direct Line)

AEROS’ CULLEN TEAMS WITH MEMORIAL HERMANN

Cullen is spokesperson for skin cancer awareness campaign

Houston, TX – Houston Aeros center Mark Cullen is the spokesman for Memorial Hermann Healthcare System’s Skin Cancer Awareness campaign - “Slap it On and Get Checked. Make it your goal to stop skin cancer.” The campaign’s focus is on prevention (slapping on sunscreen and protective clothing when in the sun) and detection (both self exams and periodic exams by a physician). Cullen was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in September 2003 and has made a successful return to the ice.

“It’s rare to have an athlete of Mark’s caliber approach us in the middle of a busy season to help spread the word about something as important as skin cancer,” said Beth Sartori, assistant vice president of marketing & communications for Memorial Hermann Healthcare System. “Mark’s strong desire to educate people about the disease that took him by surprise last year truly inspired us. We hope his story will inspire others.”

“Cancer can happen to anyone,” said the 25-year-old Cullen. “If I wasn’t a hockey player, I may not have known until it was too late. It had already gone into one of my lymph nodes. My message is to protect yourself, and if there’s anything suspicious, get it checked out. Take care of yourself.”

Memorial Hermann is producing life-sized action cutouts of Cullen for their hospitals, as well as educational cards. Memorial Hermann will have a skin cancer awareness booth at the Aeros’ April 2 game at Toyota Center, with information on skin cancer, free packets of sunscreen and employees to answer questions about skin cancer. Cullen will appear at the booth after the game. May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. Those interested in getting checked for skin cancer can call 713-222-CARE to be referred to a dermatologist and to be registered in a drawing for free Aeros season tickets.

Cancer is one of many items that Cullen has tackled in his life. While at Colorado College, Cullen suffered a broken neck, and he has had a broken ankle and separated shoulder in his two seasons with the Aeros. Cullen is also helping children with cancer through the “Cullen for Kids” campaign. A local donor is giving $100 per Cullen goal and $50 per assist to “Sunshine Kids”, an organization which aids children with cancer and their families. In the first nine games of the drive, Cullen has raised $550.