• Inspired by AbilityPLUS clients, helps them enjoy recreational activities
• Award reflects volunteerism culture within Cigna

BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Jay Toohey, a product director from Enfield, Conn., has been named Cigna's (NYSE: CI) Volunteer of the Year for his work with AbilityPLUSAdaptive Sports.

Cigna CEO David Cordani presents Jay Toohey of Enfield, Connecticut with the company's Volunteer of the Year Award. (Photo: Cigna Corporation)

AbilityPLUS provides sports and recreational programs to people with physical disabilities including amputations, visual impairment, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, brain injuries and paralysis as well as developmental disabilities such as autism. The charity serves civilians as well as wounded military personnel. Toohey, an avid skier, helps AbilityPLUS clients ski some of the most popular mountains in the Northeast.

Toohey was inspired to work with the charity beginning in 2009 after he learned of it through a friend of his 15-year-old son. The friend, Andrew, has cerebral palsy and skis with AbilityPLUS.

“My son Brendan has been friends with Andrew since grammar school. When I saw Andrew ski for the first time I was amazed at how well he could ski and the freedom he had on the slopes. I talked with his mother about how he learned through adaptive ski lessons. That is what initially drew me into the AbilityPLUS program,” Toohey said.

Jay will be honored with a $5,000 donation to Ability PLUS from the Cigna Foundation and a $2,500 personal award at a July 12 luncheon with Cigna CEO David Cordani at the company’s Bloomfield, Conn. headquarters.

“People like Jay are the heart of our company. He exemplifies our dedication to helping people achieve their full potential no matter what obstacles they may face,” Cordani said. “We’re proud to honor him and help AbilityPLUS reach more people who may face extraordinary challenges.”

“The dedication, leadership and inspiration Jay provides to AbilityPLUS participants, staff, and volunteers is immeasurable, and it is an honor to our organization that Cigna recognizes the value of Jay's work for adaptive sports programs,” said Mark Shepherd, AbilityPLUS board of directors chairman.

The Cigna Volunteer of the Year is chosen by the Cigna Foundation with the Points of Light Hands on Network from twelve volunteers recognized monthly throughout the year.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has approximately 70 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

About the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work.

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Cigna Corporation
Judy Hartling, 860-226-6272
Judy.Hartling@cigna.com

Source: Cigna Corporation