Organizations in Southeast Connecticut Area Raise Money and Support for Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and organizations across the country are raising money, supporting survivors, and striving to educate women about risks and prevention. The American Cancer society estimates that approximately 178,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States in 2007. Organizations across the country are hosting events throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise money for research, prevention, and treatment, and greater awareness about breast cancer risks.

Denim Day is October 5. On Friday, Lee jeans encourages individuals to wear jeans to work and make a $5 donation to support breast cancer research. Lee jeans encourages companies, organizations, families and friends to create teams and make a group donation to support breast cancer education services. Thus far Lee National Denim Day has raised more than $66 million dollars in 11 years. Create a team or send an individual donation through the Denim Day web site.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure launched its Circle of Promise campaign on October 1. According to CDC statistics, while 90 percent of white women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years, the survival rate among African American women is only 77 percent. The Circle of Promise campaign strives to engage women in the African American community to help end breast cancer by educating and empowering themselves and other black women to take actions that will save lives. Individuals can find local information on the Circle web site.

Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut on October 6. The second annual Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut will begin in Old Saybrook and end in Waterford, a 26.2 mile walk. Walkers have raised $1,000. Supporters can make financial donations and cheer on walkers starting in Old Saybrook, into Old Lyme along Route 156, through East Lyme and Rocky Neck State Park, and ending at Harkness Park in Waterford. In 2005, two women established the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, which through sponsorship and volunteerism, is able to direct 100 percent of total gross fundraising efforts to breast cancer research. For more information about the final route, see the foundation's web site.

Westerly Hospital (in Rhode Island) hosting talk about women's cancer on October 10. In collaboration with the American Cancer Society, Westerly Hospital is hosting a discussion about cervical, ovarian, thyroid and breast cancer, information about the latest options in treatments and prevention, healthy eating, and services available at Westerly Hospital. Call the hospital at (401) 348-2303 to register for the free program.

These are just a few of the immediate events at the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the southeast Connecticut vicinity.