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'Finish Strong' To Benefit Cancer Patients

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By BRETT McMURPHY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 6, 2007

TAMPA - Craig Brunstein, owner of Bulls Outfitter, which is selling "Finish Strong" bracelets, said he was unaware of Jeff Wagner's battle with cancer and will donate all profits from the bracelets to cancer prevention.

Two months ago, Bulls Outfitter, an official supplier of University of South Florida merchandise, printed the rubber bracelets, Brunstein said. They were given to the football team.

Brunstein said he was unaware of the link to Wagner, a USF alum who created the phrase and is battling acute myeloid leukemia, his second bout of cancer.

USF coach Jim Leavitt asked for Wagner's permission to create the bracelets and "Finish Strong" has become a mantra of the team.

Wagner, who did not want the bracelets sold commercially, and USF officials were not aware the bracelets were being sold for $4.99.

"I didn't know who Jeff Wagner was," Brunstein said Monday. "Now that I know, we'll donate $3 per bracelet to cancer prevention."

Brunstein said he has had family members battle cancer and is sensitive to Wagner's situation. Brunstein, who ordered 200 bracelets because of customer demand, said he would not order any more bracelets unless he received approval from USF.

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