FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

First Lady to Lead Race for the Cure Team

JEFFERSON CITY–First Lady Melanie Blunt announced today she will lead a team to help support the fight against breast cancer in the Susan G. Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure.

"It is for those we have lost, for those struggling to overcome breast cancer and for the countless survivors we must carry the hope for finding a cure to our neighborhoods and our communities," said Mrs. Blunt, who serves as spokesperson and honorary chair for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Mid-Missouri Affiliate. "As Missouri's first lady, I will continue to encourage Missouri women to take time for breast cancer screenings and to work towards promoting breast cancer research and awareness."

Close to 4,000 Missouri women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Like many Missouri families, Mrs. Blunt was touched by breast cancer, when as a teenager she lost her mother to the disease.

Mrs. Blunt has participated in the Race for a Cure, a fundraising effort to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure, for several years. The organization and race strive to raise support for breast cancer education, research, and patient services. This year marks the first time Mrs. Blunt is leading a team.

Promoting breast cancer awareness is an important aspect of the first lady's women's wellness initiative. Breast cancer can be treated successfully if it is detected early. Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends a 3-step approach to breast cancer screening that includes a combination of mammography, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams:

• Annual mammograms beginning at age 40
• Clinical breast exam at least every 3 years beginning at age 20, and annually from age 40 on
• Monthly breast self-exam beginning by age 20

The race is Saturday, June 16th in downtown St. Louis. For more information or to register visit www.komenstlouis.org/race.