First Lady LePage to Support Breast Cancer Awareness at the Blaine House

Augusta, Maine - First Lady Ann LePage will welcome the New England Division of the American Cancer Society to the Blaine House, Thursday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m., where she will assist in recognizing the recipient of the 2012 Maine Leadership Award for Breast Health, Carlene Sperry of Auburn. Also attending will be the Maine Center for Disease Control and Cervical Health Program, Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, Maine Breast Nurse Network, Maine Cancer Foundation, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Maine Affiliate.

Ms. Sperry was diagnosed and treated for stage 3 breast cancer in 2003. Grateful for her recovery, Carlene reached out to other women and invited them into her home to share information and support. This led to the creation of the "Pretty in Pink" group, which still meets regularly.

Mrs. LePage will also read the Governor's proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Maine. "I encourage all women to put their health first," said the First Lady. "I admire Carlene's efforts to bring awareness to this disease that is expected to claim the lives of approximately 180 Maine women this year."

The Leadership Award for Breast Health is a collaborative effort of the American Cancer Society, the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, the ME Breast Nurse Network, Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Maine, the Maine Cancer Foundation, and Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program. Established in 1998, the award is given annually during the month of October to acknowledge a man or woman in Maine who has made an exceptional contribution to promoting breast health, improving understanding of breast cancer, or working toward the elimination of the disease. A committee consisting of representatives from each of these organizations review nominations and consider length of service and level of innovativeness in making its decisions.