SPANISH FORT, Ala. — According to American Cancer Society estimates, in 2008 alone, about 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States and 40,480 women will die from the disease.

Such statistics are a stark reminder of how precious life and good health are, which is why dressbarn is joining in the fight against breast cancer, according to a spokesperson.

This October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dressbarn locations in the Spanish Fort area will contribute profits from the sale of Chloe, a plush dog, to the American Cancer Society’s local and national breast cancer initiatives.

Chloe will retail for $5, and dressbarn will donate a minimum of $2.50 from the sale of each dog to the American Cancer Society, targeting breast cancer research. Dressbarn will sell Chloe from Oct. 1 through Dec. 15, or while supplies last. With more than 825 locations nationwide, dressbarn hopes to raise over $100,000 through this year’s campaign.

“Cancer, and especially breast cancer in women, is so far reaching that it really touches us all,” said Vivian Behrens, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for dressbarn, Inc. “It is extremely important to the dressbarn family that we help make a difference in the fight against cancer and that we support breast cancer patients and survivors.

“With the help of our customers through their purchase of loveable Chloe, we will continue the fight against this disease and build hope for women everywhere.”

For more information on dressbarn and their breast cancer initiative, contact Dressbarn in Spanish Fort,  located at 10200 Eastern Shore Blvd.,  at 625-6505.