FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 11, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

Missouri's First Lady Recruits 100 Participants for Her Race for the Cure Team

Urges More to Join Fight against Breast Cancer

JEFFERSON CITY – First Lady Melanie Blunt today announced her team's membership for the Susan G. Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure® has topped 100 participants. The first lady will lead TEAM MELANIE BLUNT in the fight against breast cancer on June 16th in St. Louis.

"The Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure provides a wonderful opportunity to raise money for the fight against breast cancer, to honor those we have lost and to provide hope and support to those struggling with the disease," Mrs. Blunt said. "I am delighted that more than 100 Missourians have joined my team to offer their time and support to this very important cause."

Mrs. Blunt has participated in the Komen St. Louis Race for the 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, support and treatment. There are 101 members on TEAM MELANIE BLUNT, including Gov. Matt Blunt. TEAM MELANIE BLUNT raised more than $4,000 to support the Race, making it the 8th highest ranked small team for fundraising out of 415 total teams in the category.

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.

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.

Team registration has closed, however the first lady encourages Missourians to join the Race as individual participants. For more information about the Race and to register visit www.komenstlouis.org/race.

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