Help Save Women's Lives

From the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance:

It is that time of year, when Congress prepares to divvy up funding for the year ahead – and breast cancer research and early detection programs are on the line.

This is a matter of real lives, not just numbers. If programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) aren't properly funded, lives will be lost. We can't let that happen!

Write to your members of Congress today asking for a responsible investment in breast cancer in the 2009 budget.

Cuts in these programs could cost lives – lives of real people like Nicole Henderson. The story of Nicole and Robert Henderson is one of courage, true love, and inspiration for others battling cancer.

A young mother of four, Nicole found a lump in her breast in 1999, which started Nicole's and Robert's long breast cancer journey. After some initial progress through radiation and chemotherapy, Nicole's cancer returned in 2002 and spread to her lungs. Despite multiple treatments, second and third opinions – even traveling to Mexico in search of alternative treatments – and lots of prayers from friends, church members and her supportive family, Nicole's cancer spread to her brain and her condition declined.

In 2006, the couple was told there was no other treatment that would help. Her time is more precious than ever, but she and Robert have decided to make the most of it by standing together to share their story and champion the cause of early detection and more funding for research.

Send a message to Congress that we need more funding for people like Nicole. Take action now!

Robert was recently honored with Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Co-Survivor of the Year award, which recognizes a friend, spouse, or family member who finds meaningful ways to ease the burden of someone dealing with breast cancer. Robert's support has ranged from helping Nicole bathe to accompanying her to every chemotherapy and radiation treatment to driving her to her many speaking engagements, where she spreads the message of breast cancer awareness and early detection.

Nicole continues to share her story despite her advanced stage of illness. Now, it is up to Champions like you to tell Congress that we must set aside increased funding through appropriations to continue offering programs for early detection and vital funding of breast cancer research. We owe it to Nicole – and to the 40,000 women who will lose their battle with breast cancer this year – to do our part.

Urge Congress to set aside more funding so we can help others catch cancer early before it claims even more lives.

Thank you for all that you do to help end breast cancer forever. Together, we'll make sure that breast cancer continues to be a national priority.

Sincerely,

Diane Balma
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance

This is the BFM Action Center blog. Blogging For Michigan is a progressive blog that features news and commentary on Michigan politics, policy, and social issues. Visit us at www.bloggingformichigan.com.