FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

Gov. Blunt Recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt today hosted a reception honoring organizations and individuals making a mark in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. As part of the ceremony that attracted more than 150 guests from across the state, Gov. Matt Blunt officially recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Missouri.

"Throughout the United States the month of October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise our awareness as to how we can help find a cure for breast cancer," Gov. Blunt said. "The impact of this disease on our families is devastating. It has affected my own family as my wife Melanie lost her mother to breast cancer while in college."

In this year's state budget, Gov. Blunt secured a $500,000 increase to expand the number of breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Show Me Healthy Women Program. The Show Me Healthy Women program offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings to thousands of Missouri women who meet specific residency, age and income guidelines. The additional funding is more than three times last year's state funding and will allow the program to serve approximately 1,225 additional women next year.

"As your first lady, I have focused on women's and children's wellness and have had the opportunity to hear from women about their struggles with breast cancer. I am always inspired and awed by their stories and reminded again and again the importance of early detection to fight the disease," Mrs. Blunt said. "I urge Missourians to recognize the importance of early detection and take time for breast cancer screenings."

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month the governor and first lady are offering several special tributes that will serve as reminders of the importance of breast cancer screening. On October 10 for one night, the Arch in St. Louis will be lit pink. The entire month the fountain at the Missouri Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City will also be lit pink.

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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