Press Releases: Georgia
September 17, 2002
Loganville residents lead efforts to promote Breast Cancer awareness and research
ATLANTA, Ga. – In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the small town of Loganville, Georgia, (population: 6,500) will hold two big initiatives to raise community awareness about the disease on Saturday, Sept. 28.
- Public appeal to purchase breast cancer stamps, Loganville Post Office, 4160 Logan Drive, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ernie Bodai, MD, Kaiser Permanente surgeon who spearheaded the national campaign for passage of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, will join city officials and local business leaders at the Loganville Post Office, 4160 Logan Drive, to encourage stamp sale. In 1996, Dr. Bodai originated the idea of the postage stamp, "Fund the Fight, Find a Cure," to increase funding for breast cancer research. The 45-cent stamp became the first in U.S. history to have its net proceeds earmarked for research.
- "Contract To Cure Cancer" Rally, Loganville United Methodist Church, 2 - 3 p.m. Loganville Mayor Mike Jones, Dr. Bodai, postal officials and other community and business leaders will convene for the "Contract To Cure Cancer" Rally at the Loganville United Methodist Church, 221 Main near Highway 78. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend.
Loganville residents have been working since early spring of this year to build community awareness about breast cancer and research through a campaign called, "Sign the Contract to Cure Cancer." Mayor Jones, ReMax realtors Mark and Susie Myers and ReMax employee and breast cancer survivor Karen Eggers started the initiative.
In addition to the breast cancer stamp, Dr. Bodai's efforts led several states, including Georgia, to develop a breast cancer license plate bearing the stamp's logo. Beginning January 2003, Georgians will be able to purchase breast cancer license plates for $25 plus the cost of registration. Proceeds from the sale of the license tags will heighten awareness about breast cancer and increase access to breast cancer screening, education and treatment services for indigent Georgians.
For more information about Loganville's efforts to raise public awareness about breast cancer research, please contact the Web site, http://www.contracttocurecancer.com.
Kaiser Permanente is the state of Georgia's largest nonprofit health plan, serving the health care needs of Atlanta metro area residents for 22 years. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc. currently provides comprehensive health care services to approximately 275,000 members through 15 medical facilities in a 28-county service, and a network of affiliated hospitals and physicians. The Health Plan provided more than $5 million in community benefit programs and services.
