Local Advocates Attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition Annual Advocacy Conference and Lobby Day
 
This year's conference was a year for new attendees.  Not only for the four new women from the BCA, but for the 44% of those attending the conference who were there for the first time.  Those attending the conference from the BCA this year were first timers, Becky Brooks, Jean Forsythe, Cynthia Pate and Linda Scott.  Return attendees Dayle Baxter, Jan Ludewig, and Linda Croucher rounded out the BCA delegation.   After attending the three-day educational conference, the fourth day was spent on Capitol Hill for Lobby Day.  During the Lobby Day visits, women from the BCA, along with other members of the Ohio delegation, visited personally with Representatives Jean Schmidt and Steve Driehaus.  In addition to those visits, our group met with aides for Senator Voinovich, Congressmen Tiberi, Jordan, Austria, Wilson, and Boehner.  Discussion during the visits included thanking Congresswoman Schmidt and Congressman Wilson for signing the letter in support of the Department of Defense (DOD) Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program.  They were the only Representatives that we visited that had signed onto this important letter.  We expressed our disappointment to those who had not signed, and were given feedback from a couple of members that next year would be different. 
 
Although the DOD letter is vitally important, the number one priority for the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is equal access to quality healthcare for all.  NBCC feels that breast cancer will not be eradicated until everyone has equal access to quality healthcare.  Our Lobby Day visits focused on each Representative's position on healthcare reform, and what role they could fill to make it happen.  We also asked that each member of Congress make a commitment that any healthcare reform legislation would include a requirement that educated consumer advocates serve on any advisory or decision-making panels for healthcare policies.  We were able to point to the DOD Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program as an excellent model of how educated advocates can help to make a program successful.
 
The BCA has been sending women to Washington for ten years.  This conference is an important educational tool for women involved in the fight to end breast cancer.  We have witnessed in the past that it takes educated advocates to help pass meaningful legislation that will make that happen.  The NBCC's Annual Advocacy Conference and Lobby Day continues to be an important part of fulfilling the BCA's goal of making breast cancer issues a top priority in the public and private sectors through advocacy, education, and communication.

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Two years ago a former BCA Board member, Karen Wellington, lost her battle with breast cancer at age 40.  As a memorial, her family and friends founded the Karen Wellington Memorial Foundation.  Because of Karen's involvement with the BCA, the two organizations have joined together and are presenting a fund raiser for the second year.  The funds raised will benefit both the BCA and The Karen Wellington Foundation and proceeds will be used to help women struggling with breast cancer.

This event, "Karen's Gift Forever In Bloom"  will include a fabulous fashion show and an art auction.  Karen was an artist and painted many beautiful paintings of flowers.  Come join us for the spectacular evening on June 11, 2009 at 6 PM at Kenwood Country Club.  There will also be cocktails and a light dinner.  The cost is $50 payable to  the BCA.  Bring your friends and get a table together or let us know if you would like to be seated with the BCA group. Hope to see you in June.

"Click here for a copy of the event invitation"

http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/news.showNewsArticle/id/13/news_id/1064


Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

What to expect...today, tomorrow and beyond. Steps for coping with the medical, emotional and practical concerns of breast cancer.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Guide for the Newly Diagnosed is designed to help you cope with the next few days, weeks and months of your life. Working closely with healthcare professionals and women who have experienced breast cancer, LBBC developed this publication to help you understand your diagnosis, the possible treatment options and the availability of support. To read this Guide go to: