Katie Couric Makes Special Appearance On QVC to Promote Colon Cancer Prevention

Katie Couric Makes Special Appearance On QVC to Promote Colon Cancer Prevention

QVC's June 25 Debut of philosophy's laughing gas Room Spray Benefits Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance

WEST CHESTER, Pa., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Katie Couric will make a special QVC appearance on June 25 at 9:30 AM (ET) with philosophy CEO Cristina Carlino to support the debut of laughing gas, a cinnamon-scented room spray created by philosophy, the sale of which will support the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, co-founded by Couric and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Couric joins Carlino to educate viewers about the need for greater awareness about colorectal cancer, especially among women, who often underestimate their risk for the disease. Net proceeds from the sale of the 20,000 units of laughing gas will directly benefit the NCCRA. In addition to Couric's participation, comedian Ray Romano lent his support by taping cross- channel public service announcements for laughing gas to promote tune-in to the June 25 show.

Colorectal cancer accounts for more than 56,000 deaths each year in the United States. Since EIF's NCCRA launched in March 2000, the program has made a tremendous impact in advancing cutting-edge colorectal cancer research and increasing public awareness about the importance of medical screening for those 50 and over and other at-risk individuals.

"Colon cancer has a better than ninety percent cure rate when detected early, and in most cases can be prevented entirely when polyps are identified through screening and removed before becoming cancerous," said Couric. "So educating the public about colon cancer and the importance of screening are central to combating the number two cancer killer in the United States, as is funding promising research. We're grateful to QVC and philosophy for lending their support on both fronts."

"laughing gas will be a wonderful addition to our educational and fundraising efforts to combat colon cancer," said Lisa Paulsen, CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. "Humor can be a great way to get people talking about a serious - and previously taboo - subject like maintaining their colon health. We're also thankful that Ray Romano and QVC were willing to put their considerable talents to work promoting this initiative through cross-channel television spots."

Carlino states, "We are committed to being more than just a beauty products company; by supporting the work of organizations like EIF's NCCRA, we can help change people's lives. In bringing colon cancer into everyday conversation and motivating people to get screened, Katie and the NCCRA have done an enormous amount of good. We are eager - and proud - to get involved in this effort."

"QVC is committed to using its resources to support philanthropic efforts and raise awareness of life-threatening diseases to our viewers," said Holly Rutkowski, QVC vice president of information services, a division that overseas the company's philanthropic contributions. "Katie's presence will help QVC reach out to millions of people to bring awareness to a charity devoted to educating the public about the disease and finding a cure."

laughing gas (QVC Item #S2061) will be available for $15.00 beginning June 25, and while supplies last, through QVC at 800.345.1515 or http://www.qvc.com/.

About QVC

QVC, Inc., a $5.7 billion company, is an e-commerce leader, marketing a wide variety of brand name products in such categories as home furnishings, licensed products, fashion, beauty, electronics, and fine jewelry. QVC reaches over 87 million homes in the United States. Other divisions/subsidiaries include QVC.com, Q Direct, Q Records and Video, QVC @, QVC Local, QVC ProductWorks. The QVC Studio Tour is located at the company's world headquarters in West Chester, Pa.

About EIF's NCCRA

EIF's NCCRA is dedicated to the eradication of colon cancer by promoting education about the importance of early medical screening and funding cutting- edge research to develop better tests, treatments and, ultimately, a cure. The NCCRA was co-founded by journalist Katie Couric, cancer activist Lilly Tartikoff, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. As a result of the attention EIF's NCCRA and NBC's TODAY show have focused on colorectal cancer, the number of colonoscopy screenings has increased almost 20% since March 2000. Researchers at the University of Michigan have dubbed this the "Couric Effect." For more information, visit http://www.eif.nccra.org/.

About Entertainment Industry Foundation

As the philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, the Entertainment Industry Foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars - and provided countless volunteer hours - to support charitable initiatives addressing some of the most critical issues facing society today. For more information, visit http://www.eifoundation.org/.

Source: QVC, Inc.

CONTACT: Melissa Lublin, QVC, Inc., +1-484-701-1618,
Melissa_lublin@qvc.com, or Donielle McGrail, QVC, Inc., +1-484-701-2072,
donielle_mcgrail@qvc.com, or Karolyn Stayer, philosophy, +1-480-449-2708,
kstayer@ephilosophy.com, or Judi Ketcik, EIF, +1-818-760-7722,
jketcik@eifoundation.org

Web site: http://www.eif.nccra.org/

Web site: http://www.eifoundation.org/

Web site: http://www.qvc.com/

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