FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 29, 2008  
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

First Lady Praises General Assembly for Passage of Legislation Encouraging Donations for Breast Cancer Services

JEFFERSON CITY - First Lady Melanie Blunt today commended the Missouri General Assembly for approving a bill encouraging donations for breast cancer services.

"I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Missouri General Assembly to help us increase breast cancer awareness and give Missourians another opportunity to help us in the fight against this terrible disease," said Mrs. Blunt, who serves as honorary chair and spokeswoman for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Mid-Missouri Affiliate.  "Breast cancer has impacted my family as it has thousands of other Missouri families, and this legislation will not only increase breast cancer awareness but also help more Missouri women get the early detection services that could save their lives."

Senate Bill 1105 creates a check-off on the Missouri individual and corporate income tax forms for contributions to the breast cancer awareness fund.  Donations will be used by the Friends of the Missouri Women’s Council for breast cancer services.

The bill was Truly Agreed and Finally Passed by the Missouri General Assembly yesterday.

Promoting breast cancer awareness is an important aspect of the first lady’s women’s wellness initiative.  She serves as spokesperson and honorary chair for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Mid-Missouri Affiliate and is committed to encouraging Missouri women to take time for breast cancer screenings and to promoting breast cancer research and awareness.

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