Tim McGraw is continuing to advocate for cancer research since releasing his song “Live Like You Were Dying” in 2004.
The country singer, 52, is aStand Up To Cancerambassador and is starring in a new campaign to encourage fans to “rewrite the skies” in honor of their loved ones, PEOPLE can share exclusively.
The organization is partnering withAmerican Airlines, who is providing the opportunity to add a family member or friend’s name to one of its planes in honor of those who are cancer survivors, currently battling the disease or have died from cancer.
Anyone who makes a donation of $25 or more to Stand Up To Cancer during the month of July can add the name of a person to the American Airlines Airbus A321, which will begin flying in the fall, according to a press release. 100 percent of donations will support Stand Up to Cancer’s collaborative cancer research programs.
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In exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the campaign shoot, McGraw explains his family’s experiences with cancer. His mother and several aunts have faced cancer; his father, baseball pitcher Tug McGraw, died from the disease in 2004.
“That’s a big reason why I’m here,” he says in the clip. “It’s been a part of my family and I want to do everything I can to help find a cure and find a way for people to become long-term survivors.”
The performer is currently writing a book onhis own health and lifestyleafter cowritingSongs of Americawith Pulitzer-winning biographerJon Meacham. He’s worked with Stand Up To Cancer since 2012, when he performed “Live Like You Were Dying”at a telethonfor the organization.
To make a donation to SU2C and add a name to the special plane, visitaa.com/standupbetween July 1 and July 31. Donors can visitaa.com/standupagain in late September to see the location of their submitted names on the plane before it begins flying in September.
source: people.com
