AbbVie and the Chicago Cubs Launch Multi-Year “Striking Out Cancer” Campaign to Support Cancer Awareness and Research
In a bold and heartfelt effort to turn America’s favorite pastime into a platform for cancer advocacy, AbbVie,a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in North Chicago, has joined forces with the iconic Chicago Cubs baseball team in a multi-year partnership aimed at supporting people living with cancer. The centerpiece of this collaboration is the launch of a new campaign titled “Striking Out Cancer,” which officially kicks off today as the Cubs take on the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.
The campaign seeks to unite the power of community, sports, and science in the fight against one of the world’s most devastating diseases. At its core, “Striking Out Cancer” combines the Cubs’ on-field performance with a powerful message of hope and support for individuals battling cancer across the globe. With every strikeout by a Cubs pitcher during a home game in the 2025 regular season, AbbVie has pledged to donate $233 to the cause—an amount chosen to symbolize the approximately 233 Americans diagnosed with cancer every hour, as reported by the American Cancer Society.
Turning Strikeouts into Support
This innovative initiative goes beyond baseball statistics. Each strikeout thrown at Wrigley Field becomes a symbol of solidarity with cancer patients and survivors, as well as a tangible contribution to cancer research, advocacy, and support services. The donations made by AbbVie throughout the season will be directed to Cubs Charities, the philanthropic arm of the Chicago Cubs organization. Cubs Charities will, in turn, distribute the funds to nonprofit organizations that are leading the charge in cancer research and care.
One of the primary recipients of this year’s contributions is Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation. Conquer Cancer is a well-established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to funding cutting-edge cancer research, accelerating treatment breakthroughs, and improving patient outcomes. The foundation plays a vital role in supporting early-career cancer researchers, empowering patient communities, and enabling innovative clinical trials that aim to save lives and improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease.
Additional funds will be allocated to other nonprofit cancer organizations, as part of AbbVie and Cubs Charities’ commitment to supporting a broad spectrum of efforts within the cancer care continuum.
A Shared Mission to Make a Difference
For AbbVie, the campaign is deeply aligned with its global mission to develop and deliver transformative medicines that address the world’s most serious health challenges. The company has a strong and growing presence in oncology, with a portfolio of therapies that target a variety of cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, lung cancers, and gynecologic malignancies. AbbVie’s commitment extends beyond medicine—it also focuses on raising awareness, improving access to care, and supporting the holistic needs of people living with cancer.
“Every strikeout this Chicago Cubs season is more than a statistic on the scoreboard – it is a step forward in supporting those living with and fighting cancer,” said Tracie Haas, senior vice president of corporate affairs at AbbVie. “Together with our hometown partner, the Chicago Cubs, we aim to create greater awareness for cancer advocacy and to make a remarkable impact for those living with cancer worldwide.”
The partnership with the Cubs, a storied Major League Baseball team with deep roots in the Chicago community, reflects a shared vision of using influence and visibility for the greater good. By bringing fans into the fold, “Striking Out Cancer” transforms each game into an opportunity for collective action and community engagement.
The Cubs’ Commitment to Community
The Chicago Cubs have long been active participants in community outreach, and this new partnership is a natural extension of their broader mission to use sports as a force for good. Through Cubs Charities, the team has consistently supported health, wellness, education, and youth development initiatives throughout the Chicago area and beyond.
“We’re honored to team up with AbbVie and do our part to help strike out cancer,” said Alex Seyferth, vice president of Cubs Corporate Partnerships. “Every dollar raised will go to organizations on the front line of fighting this terrible disease. Together, the Cubs and AbbVie are committed to raising awareness and donations to help those impacted by cancer.”
In addition to the on-field donations, the campaign will feature a variety of engagement activities throughout the season, including in-game promotions, fan experiences, and digital content designed to educate the public about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment innovations. The partnership also aims to spotlight survivor stories and the experiences of caregivers and healthcare professionals, underscoring the human side of the fight against cancer.
Supporting a Global Fight Through Local Action
While the campaign is rooted in Chicago, its message and impact extend globally. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly 10 million lives each year according to the World Health Organization. AbbVie’s presence in over 175 countries positions it to leverage local partnerships and global scientific expertise in the battle against cancer.
AbbVie’s oncology pipeline and portfolio have been pivotal in shaping new standards of care, especially in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Its research is focused on identifying biomarkers, advancing immuno-oncology combinations, and addressing unmet needs in cancer treatment. In many ways, the “Striking Out Cancer” initiative reflects the company’s belief that the fight against cancer must be fought on all fronts—from the laboratory bench to the pitcher’s mound.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be a beneficiary of the ‘Striking Out Cancer’ campaign,” said Nancy R. Daly, chief executive officer of Conquer Cancer. “The support from AbbVie and Cubs Charities is vital, enabling us to advance our critical work and bringing us closer to achieving our vision of a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy.”
Building Momentum Through 2025 and Beyond
The inaugural season of “Striking Out Cancer” will run through the end of the 2025 regular MLB season, but the partnership between AbbVie and the Cubs is set to extend beyond this first year. Both organizations are already envisioning ways to deepen the campaign’s impact in future seasons, potentially expanding donation mechanisms, community outreach efforts, and fan participation opportunities.
As more strikeouts are recorded at Wrigley Field this summer, each one will echo far beyond the ballpark. For patients in hospital rooms, families in waiting rooms, and scientists in laboratories, every pitch carries a message of hope—and every donation brings us one step closer to a world without cancer.
Whether you’re a die-hard Cubs fan, a cancer survivor, a healthcare provider, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, the “Striking Out Cancer” campaign offers a powerful reminder that progress is possible when people come together around a common goal.
AbbVie is a global, research-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative therapies for some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases. With a strong presence in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, eye care, and aesthetics, AbbVie combines advanced science with compassionate care to improve lives around the world.
Cubs Charities aims to mobilize the power of sport to champion youth, families, and communities. Through grants, programs, and partnerships, Cubs Charities provides resources that increase access to sports, support health and wellness, and promote academic achievement.Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, is a nonprofit organization that funds breakthrough cancer research and supports patient-centered programs around the world. Founded by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Conquer Cancer’s mission is to accelerate the conquest of cancer in all its forms.
