Message of the Week - Race for the Cure
Dear Friends,
This Sunday, October 8, thousands of women, men and children will take to the streets of downtown Phoenix with one purpose: to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year at the 2005 Race in Central Phoenix, 41,000 walkers raised enough money to grant more than $1.6 million to research, education, screening and treatment programs.
This "race" is an important event, because breast cancer affects everybody, and its effects are far-reaching. Currently in the United States breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and though there are many things women can be doing to detect this disease early, we cannot stop the fight until we have a cure.
At the capitol, we have fought to increase funding for breast and cervical cancer screenings. Additionally, I signed a bill that allows Arizonans the opportunity to purchase special license plates with proceeds going to a Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Diagnostic Special Plate Fund. To date 2,206 special plates have been sold, transmitting more than $37,500 to the fund.
Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I urge all Arizona women to become educated about the dangers of breast cancer and the advantages of early detection. The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization continues to reach out to women with several key messages, including the importance of early detection through annual mammography screenings for women over 40, or earlier for women at increased risk. These screenings are a woman's best chance for detecting breast cancer early. When coupled with new treatment options, mammography screenings can significantly improve a woman's chances of survival.
For more information about the Komen foundation, the 2006 Phoenix Race for the Cure, or races in your area, please visit the foundation's Web site at www.komen.org or call their hotline, 1-800-IM-AWARE (800-462-9273).
As always, I appreciate your input, and encourage you to call my office at 602.542.1318 if you have questions or thoughts to share. Or, please visit our website at http://www.azgovernor.gov for information and news in state government.
Yours very truly,
Janet Napolitano
Governor
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