Coasters for Cancer Celebrates Survivorship

West Orange, NJ, June 26, 2019…Six Flags Great Adventure, RWJBarnabas Health and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey have joined forces to fight cancer and celebrate survivorship with the unveiling of Coasters for Cancer - the first roller coaster wrapped in the hand prints of cancer survivors and supporters.

On Sunday, June 9, flanked by a group of 200 cancer survivors and their families, dignitaries from RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers Cancer Institute and Six Flags Great Adventure helped kick-off the Coasters for Cancer campaign, featuring the inaugural ride on the “hand print decorated” Runaway Mine Train – a popular family ride at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ.

The event marks the first time at any venue - within the world’s largest regional theme park company - that a roller coaster has been wrapped in support of cancer awareness. Colorful hand prints, previously collected by cancer survivors and supporters throughout New Jersey, were transferred onto the Runaway Mine Train coaster cars. The coaster will remain wrapped in the decorated hand prints through the close of the park in winter 2019.

“As we continue to focus on innovations in cancer research and patient care, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to celebrate survivors, further demonstrating our commitment to cancer education,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “While the wrapped coaster is the centerpiece of this campaign, the opportunity to integrate additional cancer awareness elements throughout the park is critical, as we deliver important educational and prevention information to diverse audiences.”

“As progress continues to be made in research leading to new therapies to treat cancer, advances also are being made in efforts to prevent cancer – whether through access to screening, lifestyle changes, or education,” notes Rutgers Cancer Institute Director Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, who is also the Senior Vice President of Oncology Services at RWJBarnabas Health. “As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute together with RWJBarnabas Health is pleased to join forces with Six Flags Great Adventure to celebrate and recognize those on the cancer journey and to enhance cancer prevention awareness through the unique outreach of the Coasters for Cancer initiative.”

This multi-faceted partnership aligns with RWJBarnabas Health’s mission to advance health care while promoting health and wellness initiatives, and education, in communities served across the state. The Coasters for Cancer campaign at Six Flags Great Adventure includes a breadth of on-site elements that will be implemented across the park throughout the season, along with fundraising opportunities to support cancer research. Highlights include:

• The main entrance fountain will be branded RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, and all coins collected throughout the season will be used to further support cancer research.
• A fully integrated program which includes queue line signage plus digital billboards and content on the Six Flags TV network that will amplify the program by delivering cancer awareness and prevention messaging across the venue throughout the season.
• All season long, parkgoers entering the Runaway Mine Train queue line will be able to show their support for cancer survivors by sharing photos using a specially designed Snapchat geofilter.
• Throughout the month of June, guests that purchase tickets online at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure will have the opportunity to add $1 to their purchase in support of cancer research.

“It’s truly inspiring to team up with RWJBarnabas Health and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to support a cause that impacts so many families,” said Six Flags Great Adventure President John Winkler. “We all share a vision to make a difference, and through an innovative, collaborative effort, the Coasters for Cancer campaign offers a unique platform to amplify awareness for cancer while enjoying a visit to the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park.”

Six Flags Great Adventure will also host four blood drives throughout the season, and all blood collected will be used to strengthen and stabilize blood bank inventories across RWJBarnabas Health. Blood from donors is commonly used to treat cancer patients, underpinning the impact of blood drives as an important complement to the campaign. The first blood drive will be held on June 30.

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