American Takes Off With Komen For The Cure

The next time you fly, you might notice something a little out of the ordinary on an American Airlines plane. On Monday, the airline began featuring a big pink ribbon to show support in the fight against breast cancer.

The work on the plane was done in Tulsa by volunteer union workers. As News On 6 anchor LeAnne Taylor reports, for one worker this was a labor of love.

Monday is a big day for Sattar Hussein and his wife Linda. Sattar is an employee with American Airlines who volunteered to help work on the new pink ribbon plane. His wife is a 2-year breast cancer survivor.

"We got enough volunteers to do the job and I'm very happy to do it. And the reason I did it is because of her," said American Airlines employee, Sattar Hussein.

"It really just makes me proud, proud to be a part. It's a group that you don't necessarily want to be in this club, but once you're in this club, you're in for life," said breast cancer survivor, Linda Hussein.

Sattar helped organize the volunteers, as the transport workers union donated their time. They worked non-stop for two days adding the decals and making sure the plane was ready for its inaugural flight from Tulsa to Dallas.

The folks at American Airlines say this plane is a visual demonstration of the commitment the airline is making to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Not only are they helping to raise awareness with the plane, they're pledging millions of dollars to help find a cure.

"This is an $8 million commitment and what's so special about that, the money is going to be used for a specific research project around a specific type of breast cancer. It's called inflammatory breast cancer and that one is very difficult to cure and it's very difficult to diagnose. So, this is very important work for saving lives," said Komen National President, Hala Moddelmog.

It's hoped that the pink ribbon plane will be a visual reminder to raise breast cancer awareness. Sattar thinks it may be a big step in finding a cure.

"If we can do this, we can do anything. I know we can put a stop to cancer," said Sattar.

The major fundraiser for the Tulsa Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is coming up next month. Race for the Cure is set for September 20th at CityPlex Towers at 81st & Lewis. You're invited to walk or run.

The News On 6 is a proud sponsor of this year's race. To find out more, check out LeAnne Taylor's special web page.