MINNEAPOLIS (September 1, 2008) Every year, thousands of women and men across the country are diagnosed with breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Awareness Association understands that these people are more than just a statistic. “Survivors and their families and friends crave knowledge, support and local resources,” states Ann Harris, co-founder of the BCEA and seven year survivor. “Because of this need, we (the BCEA) came together to help provide education, support and information about local resources, doctors and treatment options.” The BCEA not only provides this information year round, but also holds their annual Living with Breast Cancer Educational Conference in October, a place where the BCAA honors survivors, their families and friends, and also provides the resources and information necessary when diagnosed with breast cancer. “Every year we bring together the most knowledgeable doctors, the most up-to-date treatment options and local resources to help all who are affected by breast cancer,” says Polly Krinsky, co-chair of the conference and six year survivor. “We also take this time to honor survivors with our Sense of Style fashion show, and honor someone who has made a significant difference in this fight.” The Sense of Style fashion show features many survivors taking the stage, proudly, dressed in the latest fashions from Ann Taylor and hair and make-up by Euphoria Salon. “The fashion show gives survivors an opportunity to stand up and declare that they are strong, beautiful and proud,” adds Harris. “It provides a sense of empowerment against cancer,” adds Krinsky, “and these women embrace it.”
In addition to seminars, classes and the fashion show, the BCAA also takes the opportunity to honor someone who has made a difference in the fight against breast cancer. This year, they are honoring Co-Executive Directors of the MN Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for a Cure foundation, Charlene Plitman and David Egan. Plitman brought Race for the Cure to the Twin Cities in honor of her mother, Ada, who was a breast cancer survivor. Since 1993, the Race for the Cure has been held every year, raising over $25 million to create breast cancer awareness programs and fund breast cancer education, screening, research and preliminary treatment programs. “We really feel that it is important to honor Plitman and Egan,” states Harris. “The BCAA wanted to set a strong example for the fight against breast cancer. There are so many organizations across the country trying to achieve the same end result, a cure for breast cancer, and we need to work together as much as possible.” “We really hope that this sets an example,” adds Krinsky. “If we work together, our voices can be stronger, the funds we raise can impact more, and we can eventually find a cure.” Plitman and Egan will be honored at the Living with Breast Cancer Conference on Saturday, October 11 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. “I’m honored,” states Plitman. “And any way we can make a difference, I will do all that I can. Breast cancer has an impact on far too many people, and I am determined to heighten awareness in Minnesota and help find a cure.” For more information on the Living with Breast Cancer Conference, please visit www.bcaamn.org.
About the Breast Cancer Awareness Association
The Breast Cancer Awareness Association is an educational and inspirational non-profit organization that fulfills the needs and desires of survivors, families and friends. The BCAA provides information on the broad spectrum of breast cancer treatment and support services in Minnesota. For more information please visit www.bcaamn.org.
About the Susan G. Komen for a Cure – Twin Cities Affiliate and Race for the Cure
The Twin Cities race is the third largest in the country and organized by the Twin Cities Affiliate for Susan G. Komen for a Cure. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. For more information please visit www.komenminnesota.org.