American Lung Association Gala - Irving, TX

The annual American Lung Association of the Central States "Breath of Life Gala" takes place June 6 in Irving, Texas at the Omni Mandalay Hotel.

The address is 221 E. Las Colinas Boulevard.

For more information, see http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/home.jsp?id=2452 online.

In unrelated event news, the Oxygen Ball at Newport Beach Harbor in California will be held on the same day, presented by the American Lung Association's local branch which is celebrating 100 years in Orange County. The Majestic Yacht sails out of the beach and the event is being sponsored by Orange Coast Magazine, Kaiser Permanente, and CH Robinsons Worldwide, among others. (Source: alac.org).

For information, call 714-835-5864.

In unrelated health news, scientists have identified key genes in colorectal and liver cancers and a study may be used for new treatments, according to Cancer Compass. The U researchers used a unique method to identify the cancer-causing genes and the genes discovered likely aren't the only ones linked to liver and colorectal cancers. U researchers are studying genetic origins of other cancers through the same jumping gene method and seeking funding to study drug development as well, as stated by McClatchey-Tribune Information Services.

In other health news, hundreds of supporters who are a part of 75 volunteer affiliates across the nation now raise awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Community Outreach Program.

"For me, fighting cancer is personal," Patrick Swayze, the actor who has pancreatic cancer, stated in a bold plea to Congress when testifying recently. "But I'm not alone. Our individual battles should be national ones."

New funding is especially important now because it will enable us to build on recent breakthroughs, Swayze told members of Congress. (Source: pancan.org).

"The good news is that we have seen progress against a number of cancers in recent years," Swayze's words were conveyed to all of America in a press release. "Some may question why medical-research spending should be part of an economic stimulus package."

In other news, because of two Supreme Court rulings, many water bodies are being denied the Clean Water Act's protections against pollution. Care2.com is asking citizens to sign a petition to urge their representatives to cosponsor the act.

"Polluters argue that the Supreme Court made the law only apply to 'navigable' water bodies, excluding numerous waters that were historically covered and jeopardizing the safety of the drinking water supply of hundreds of millions of Americans," stated a press release. "If adopted by Congress, the Clean Water Restoration Act will restore the law's intended power to protect American waterways from polluters."

To sign the petition, look up http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/554229010?z00m=19754060.