Boehringer Ingelheim is partnering with the Country Music Association for a Tune Up For COPD Songwriting Competition featuring country music stars Billy Ray Cyrus and Patty Loveless.
The contest is soliciting “songs with a motivational message that encourages people to be proactive in taking control of their lives and be healthy,” and the winner will perform it live at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville in June.
Contestants can upload their videos and lyrics sheets to tuneup4copd.cmaworld.com, and a “fan favorite” will be determined by the highest number of online votes and showcased online.
The overall winner will be selected by a panel of judges including Cyrus, Loveless, industry experts and members of participating organizations including the American Association for Respiratory Care, Country Music Association, COPD Alliance, COPD Foundation, NASCAR and US COPD Coalition.
Cyrus is the newest celebrity addition to Boehringer Ingelheim’s COPD awareness efforts, which have also featured Jim Belushi, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and football star Michael Strahan. Cyrus’s grandfather Eldon suffered from COPD.
“I learned at an early age from my grandfather—who was a pastor—both the impact COPD symptoms have on one’s life and the power of a person’s voice. And I’ve taken those lessons with me throughout the years,” said Cyrus in a release. “I know music motivates people to take action, and that’s why I’m asking America to help us find the next great song to drive awareness of COPD.”
Loveless last year penned the song “Drive” for the Boehringer Ingelheim’s Drive4COPD campaign, honoring her sister Dottie, who died of COPD at age 48.
COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, affects an estimated 24 million Americans.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s COPD products include Spiriva, Combivent, Atrovent and Berodual/Bronchodual/Duovent.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s partners on the campaign include NASCAR, the Country Music Association, the American Association for Respiratory Care, COPD Alliance, COPD Foundation and the US COPD Coalition.
From the March 01, 2011 Issue of MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media
