Tyler Mahoney, Public Relations Specialist

Northwestern Mutual
6301 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, Ok 73118
Telephone: 405-368-4530
Email: TMahoney@ou.edu

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Terry Savage
Financial Reporter
The Oklahoman
9000 North Broadway
Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Dear Mr. Savage,

I recently read an article you wrote in The Oklahoman earlier this month about October being
Life Insurance Awareness Month. I have three story ideas of interest to you. Northwestern
Mutual is hosting their first annual Scare Away Cancer 5K and Concert to benefit the
American Cancer Society. The Halloween themed event will take place on the weekend of
October 26 and 27 at Lake Hefner. The first story emphasizes the national publicity the event
will bring to Oklahoma City. The second story idea is a human-interest piece about, the
philanthropic efforts of our CEO and event host, John Schlifske. The final story idea features the
events keynote speaker, Meredith Dagwood, and her story about raising cancer awareness. All
three stories would inform the readers of the event and motivate them to support the American
Cancer Society.
The first story idea could focus on the first annual Scare Away Cancer 5K and Concert.
Oklahoma natives, Toby Keith and Garth Brooks, are performing for anyone who registers for
the race. One thousand people have already registered for the event and many more are expected.
The more people who find out about this event will help spread awareness of cancer and help
those who are sick. CMT has agreed to broadcast a telethon during the performance. A pre- or
post-concert interview can be arranged with the two artists. This story would be an interest to
music lovers and runners wanting to know more about the event.
The second story idea covers the event through Northwestern Mutuals CEO, John E.
Schlifskes, point-of-view. John was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011; his life has forever
changed. His cancer is now in remission and he has decided to host this event to benefit people
who have had to deal with the consequences of cancer. The story will focus on his journey
during and after fighting cancer, and could also discuss his recent philanthropic acts. Schlifske
has known Garth Brooks for several years and was able to make this event possible, because of

his connections. Schlifske has donated $13.1 million to cancer research and could be recognized
for his efforts to help others. The story would be a human-interest piece that would motivate
people to attend.
The final story idea will focus on the event through runner and Oklahoma City native Meredith
Dagwood who lost her son to leukemia in 2009. Ever since the death of her son, Meredith has
traveled around the world to run races while promoting cancer awareness. Dagwood began
running as a coping mechanism. After completing her first marathon, she decided to continue her
recovery journey by traveling and being a caring friend to other families dealing with the disease.
Dagwood has agreed to be the keynote speaker at the Scare Away Cancer 5K and Concert. She
will speak before Toby Keith and Garth Brooks perform to tell the story of her sons fight during
cancer. An interview with Dagwood for a concert preview can be arranged.
These stories will appeal to people who have been affected by cancer, and other people who
want to know about events happening in Oklahoma City. We have issued The Oklahoman two
press passes to the event to cover these stories. I will call Thursday afternoon to verify your
attendance and to answer any questions.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,

Tyler Mahoney
Public Relations Specialist