On Wednesday, October 7 at 12 p.m. in front of the Mill Mountain Star, breast cancer survivors and their families will join volunteers and Komen Board Members to show Roanoke and surrounding communities the strength in living the message and mission of Susan G. Komen For the Cure.
The second annual “Shout It From The Mountaintops” is an opportunity for everyone from survivors to supporters to shout out a message/sentence concerning breast cancer, breast screening, the latest facts about the disease, and a suggestion on how others can help, or simply a chance to shout about how happy they are to be alive.
This year, the highlight will be the announcement of Roanoke’s first 5K Race for the Cure, which will be held in the valley on April 10, 2010. Komen will also be focusing on Circle of Promise, a special program designed to empower and engage African American women to help end breast cancer forever by fostering increased awareness, support and action.
A Circle of Promise gospel choir made up of local women will be on hand October 7, while cheerleaders from William Byrd High School will lead the crowd in cheers and messages aimed at breast health and screening. Several community leaders will also line up to the microphone to shout their support for the cause.
The Greater Roanoke Valley Affiliate is part of the 125-member affiliate network of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s grassroots network fighting to end breast cancer forever. To learn more about the Greater Roanoke Valley Affiliate and the many ways to get involved in Komen’s fight against breast cancer, visit the website at www.komenroanoke.org.
Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the affiliate stay in the Roanoke Valley Area. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen For the Cure Grants Program to fund research.
Grant proposals accepted: The Board of Directors for the Greater Roanoke Valley Affiliate announce the Request for Proposals (“RFP”) — an application process for grants related to breast healt–are now being received. Applications will be accepted for screening, treatment, education and prevention programs related to breast health and cancer programs across the service area. Special consideration is given to applications proposing to serve the highest priority communities and population groups, as indicated by the recently completed Community Profile Report.
The priority communities include the City of Roanoke, Henry County, and Pittsylvania County. These three locales have lower screening rates, and consequently, lower incidence rates, and correspondingly higher percentages of Stage III and IV cancers.
By Gene Marrano [email protected]