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"It is past time to make the War on Cancer a priority, increase funds andstimulate a new era of research," said Diane Balma, Komen's vice president ofpublic policy. "Yesterday, Texas voters took a stand, and made our state amodel for others to emulate."
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The passage of this unique and significant measure is a testament to thepower of partnership among cancer organizations, bipartisan support amongpolicymakers and, particularly, grassroots activism. Komen activists fromaround the state, along with individuals representing the Lance ArmstrongFoundation, American Cancer Society and Texas Medical Association, ralliedtogether to drive through this initiative that will potentially fill criticalgaps that cause cancer to be a death sentence for too many people.
"Breast cancer activists and cancer advocates came together on a sharedmission to pass legislation that could literally be the means to an end thatalmost sounds like a pipedream -- curing cancer," said Ramona Magid, executivedirector of the Komen Austin Affiliate. "While many have given their time,hearts and energy to this cause, we would not be here if it were not for theleadership of Cathy Bonner, who conceived of the idea to honor her late friendAnn Richards, as well as legislators Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Lewisville), Sen.Kirk Watson (D-Austin), Rep. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs), Rep. JimKeffer (R-Eastland), Rep. Diane Delisi (R-Temple), Rep. Geannie Morrison(R-Victoria) and Rep. Fenfronia Thompson (D-Houston)."
On February 14, the Komen Texas Affiliates held their first-ever statelobby day in Austin to educate legislators about the importance of theinitiative, as well as to lobby for state funding for the Texas Breast andCervical Cancer Control Program. This vital program, which all TexasAffiliates fund, provides early detection services and mammograms for theunderinsured and uninsured women of Texas. This year, the Legislature made afirst-time appropriation of $5 million to the program and expanded access toMedicaid for low-income women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer. OnOct. 10, the Komen Austin Affiliate hosted the Komen Community Challenge"Close the Gap" rally in support of Prop 15, bringing together legislators,breast cancer advocates and Texas voters.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would doeverything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promisebecame Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancermovement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots networkof breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empowerpeople, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit fundsdedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For moreinformation about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer,visit http://www.komen.org or call 1-800 I'M AWARE.
SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure
