FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2008

Contact:
Jeff Perez, Office of Communications and Government Affairs
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 352-5566
E-mail: jperez@shawnee.edu

(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

Shawnee State University Women’s Center in fifth year of ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ campaign

            Register by April 1 for the fifth annual “Breast Cancer Awareness” campaign at Shawnee State University that will take place during the 5K Spring Bear Run/Walk and receive a free T-shirt to wear in the run.
            Commit to participating in the Breast Cancer Awareness event and receive a free T-shirt. Register by e-mailing Barbara Duncan, organizer for the event, at bduncan@shawnee.edu and include your T-shirt size. The T-shirts are limited in quantity and are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
            “Our goal is to raise awareness about breast cancer,” said Roberta Milliken, director of the SSU Women’s Center. “We want to spread the message that early detection saves lives. It's such an important lesson for women to learn. It's one that we can't seem to broadcast enough. In fact, this is why we printed it on the T-shirts.”
            Local doctors and SOMC have given donations to sponsor the activity in the past and contributors’ names will be printed on the back of each T-shirt. About 100 people participated in the event in the 2007 Spring Bear Run.
            “Our hope is that those taking part in the event and those who are spectators and race volunteers will notice the sea of identical T-shirts and be reminded of the importance of early detection and prevention of breast cancer,” Duncan said. “All women, regardless of age, need to be reminded of the importance of self-breast examination, routine physical exams by a physician and routine mammograms. Breast cancer does not discriminate. Prevention, early detection and treatment are the keys to staying healthy.”
            The 5K Spring Bear Run/Walk will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at Shawnee State University. Register online at www.shawnee.edu or in the office of Jeff Hamilton, race coordinator, Room 108, or the office of Jean Sisler, Athletic Department secretary, Room 111, both offices in the James A. Rhodes Athletic Center. The Bear Run is free to all SSU faculty, SSU staff, students and SSU alumni.
            “We are excited about this event and encourage everyone to participate with the Women’s Center,” Milliken said.