NFL and American Cancer Society Team Up For ‘A Crucial Catch’

As the nation marks the annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Cancer Society is joining the National Football League (NFL) and its owners and players with a breast cancer screening campaign, called “A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives.” This campaign reminds women 40 and older about the importance of getting a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year to find breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage.

Throughout October, NFL games will feature team owners, players, coaches and officials wearing pink game apparel to raise awareness for the campaign. Apparel worn at games by players and coaches and special footballs and pink coins will be auctioned off at NFL Auction, with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society and team charities.

This campaign also involves participation from Society volunteers and breast cancer survivors on a local level with the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk. This non-competitive event unites entire communities to celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate people about how to reduce their breast cancer risk or find the disease early, and raise funds to help fight the disease.

Additionally, the Society’s advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), is participating in the Crucial Catch campaign by encouraging Congress to allocate more funding for cancer research, which will lead to a better understanding of breast cancer, the importance of early detection and treatment, as well as patient care. As Congress determines cancer research funding, ACS CAN and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer advocates are asking elected officials to use their role to make a difference and help to save more lives by maintaining and increasing funding for cancer research.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), a lifesaving program that enables uninsured low-income women to receive free early detection tests for breast and cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the program’s current funding level only allows fewer than one in five eligible women to be tested. Greater funding of this program will permit more detection and help to save more lives, building upon the more than eight million screening exams that have already been completed.

More than 2.5 million Americans who are surviving breast cancer will celebrate a birthday this year thanks to the American Cancer Society and supporters like the NFL who are helping save lives. Fans can visit www.NFL.com/pink to learn more about reducing their risk of breast cancer and scheduling an early detection exam.

Santa Fe is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Since 1993, nearly 6 million walkers have raised more than $400 million through the American Cancer Society Making Strides events. Last year, almost 700,000 walkers across the country collected over $60 million to help create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.

Join us for an inspiring event to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about the disease, and to help save lives. With every step you take, you'll be giving people facing breast cancer more candles to light.

Oct 9 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Santa Fe, NM at Villa Linda Park, Arroyo de los Chamisos

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is as unique and special as the stories that motivate each of our dedicated walkers, donors and volunteers. Every step that we take is personal and each donation helps save lives. Making Strides walks are non-competitive and three to five miles in length. There are many ways you can get involved. Just register to participate and then:

Start your own team

Join an existing team

Participate as an individual walker

Volunteer to help with walker check-in, refreshments, registration

Show your support by donating to a participant or the event

If you are outside of New Mexico, you can still find an event near you and join us. Strides events take place all across the nation.

One of the ways the American Cancer Society is saving lives is by finding cures through groundbreaking research. The Society invests more in breast cancer research than in any other cancer type. Society-funded research has led to the discovery of lifesaving breast cancer treatments, including Tamoxifen and Herceptin. To learn more about Making Strides and how the dollars raised are making a difference, visit cancer.org/stridesonline and you can also read about the History of Making Strides. Thanks for your participation and support!

2nd annual Bark For Life helps take a bite out of cancer

The 2010 Bark For Life of Albuquerque was held Saturday, August 21, at Jerry Cline Park near I-40 and Louisiana. Bark For Life is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.

This year about 80 dogs of all sizes and breeds joined the fight and participants and sponsors helped raise about $10,000 for cancer research and programs. The event included a mass walk around the park, contests, and booths for the dogs and the owners to enjoy.

Tasha Serna-Gallegos, a multi-year winner of the Society's Young Cancer Survivor College Scholarship addressed the crowd with her dog Duke. Tasha a leukemia cancer survivor credits Duke with helping her through the diagnosis and treatment. Some canine cancer survivors also joined the event as well.

Christie Anderson, former Society staffer and one of the people who helped put together the initial Bark For Life before retiring, was the top individual fundraiser this year. Some great sponsors also helped make the event a success such as: VCA Animal Hospitals, University of Phoenix, Canine Country Club & Feline Inn, Clark's Pet Emporium, Camp Bow Wow, Tony Lynn's Caring Paws Doggie Day Care, and Three Dog Bakery. Media sponsors 100.3 The Peak and Lite 95.1 of Clear Channel Radio helped get the word out and a small group of volunteers added some final touches to make the event a "howling" success.

2010 Climb to Conquer Cancer

The American Cancer Society in New Mexico held it's fourth annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event Saturday, August 21, to honor cancer survivors, remember those we've lost to cancer, and raise funds for cancer research and programs.

Climb to Conquer Cancer is a unique, non-competitive event to the Western states and is meant to represent the challenge of overcoming cancer. Those that complete the climb can proudly say "I made it to the top."

Taking on the challenge of elevation and going uphill about 260 participants of all ages and backgrounds walked, ran, or biked the 6.5 miles up the Sandia Crest Byway to the summit at 10,678 feet.

The event raised $20,000 for cancer research and programs. Many thanks to Corporate Sponsors: UPS and IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters), In-Kind Sponsors: Stone Age Climbing Gym, REI, and Defined Fitness and Media Sponsor: 94 Rock KZRR of Clear Channel Radio. Also thanks to the St. Pius Girls Soccer team for volunteering and all the many others who helped with the event.

Ruidoso Cancer Survivor Selected as Hero of Hope

Sashay Mills-Cardone of Ruidoso has been selected as an American Cancer Society Hero of Hope for 2010. As a Hero of Hope, these cancer survivors have demonstrated a commitment to the fight against cancer through their inspiration and contribution to their local American Cancer Society Relay For Life event.

There are few things more traumatic than hearing "you have cancer." When Sashay heard those word, her only concerns should have been homework and when the next school holiday was. Sashay was diagnosed shortly after her 15th birthday and just before Christmas in 2002. Sashay was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, a cancer originating in the nasopharynx, the uppermost region of the "throat."

Sashay began participating in Relay For Life as a way to retaliate against cancer. She now Relays to prevent others from experiencing what she went through. Now years later and many Relay For Life events later she has many great memories especially about the people.

"It is so rewarding when I meet them again and they tell me 'oh yes I know you, you helped me when my husband was sick or something similar,' " said Sashay. "Feeling like I really made a difference--that I will never forget."

"The only thing scarier than cancer is not doing anything about it," said Sashay, as she sums up her cancer experience and Relay For Life. "Cancer and the Relay For Life have taught me that HOPE is alive and well, even when the patient isn't."

Heroes of Hope will be instrumental in working with the Society to broaden outreach of survivorship throughout the year for Relay For Life as well as share their inspiring stories.

American Cancer Society Awards $720,000 Research Grant To NM Researcher

The American Cancer Society, the largest non-government, not-for-profit funding source of cancer research in the United States has awarded a grant totalling $720,000 to Ellen J. Beswick, Ph.D.

Beswick is an assistant professor at the Dpeartment of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and her research is entitled "Cytokine-Mediated Link Between Infection, Chronic Inflammation, and Cancer."

Beswick believes her research could contribute to fighting gastrointestinal cancers at a very early stage and perhaps contribute to developing better approaches to cancer treatments. She intends to uncover very early pathways in cancer that make cells begin to divide abnormally. Beswick's work is unique in that it looks at very early events of how chronic inflammation may induce aberrant cell growth.

Grant applications are ranked on the basis of merit by one of several discipline-specific Peer Review Committees, each of which is composed of 12 to 25 scientific advisors or peers who are experts in the fields. The Council for Extramural Grants, a committe of senior scientists, recommends funding based on the reletive merit of the applications, the amount of available funds, and the Society's objectives. No member of the Society's board of directors or National Assembly may serve on a Peer Review Committee or the Council.

The Society has funded 44 researchers who have went on to win the Nobel Prize.

Two NM Cancer Survivors Awarded Young Cancer Survivor Scholarships by Society

Tasha Serna-Gallegos (top) of Albuquerque, N.M. and Mariah Terese Galvez (bottom) of Ojo Caliente, N.M. have both been awarded a $2,500 college scholarship for 2010 from the American Cancer Society. Tasha is a repeat winner.

Tasha was diagnosed while a freshman in high school with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the white blood cells, which continuously multiply and are overproduced in the bone marrow. Mariah was diagnosed at age six with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue tumor.

Galvez, a recent graduate of Mesa High School in Ojo Caliente, N.M. has been accepted and will attend the University of New Mexico this fall. She is interested in becoming a pediatric nurse. Tasha, a graduate of Sandia Prep in Albuquerque is currently a senior at Occidental College in Los Angeles and is preparing to graduate with a degree in biochemistry. She has begun to apply for medical schools.

Scholarships were awarded based on financial need, leadership, academic achievement and community service. To be eligible candidates must have had a cancer diagnosis before age 21 and be a New Mexico resident. Students must also have a GPA of at least 2.5 and have been accepted to an accredited school. The purpose of the scholarship program is to help both the patient and family overcome the financial burden of cancer.

There's Still Time to Relay in New Mexico!

It’s not too late to participate in a New Mexico Relay For Life or Bark For Life event and we'd love to see you there!

If you haven’t signed up for Relay yet, it’s easy to find an event near you. You can join a team, start your own, or participate as an individual. There’s a place for everyone at Relay For Life and anyone can participate!

We invite you to come out and join us as we Celebrate survivors, Remember those we have lost, and Fight Back against this disease by working with elected and appointed officials to ensure that cancer remains a top local, state and national priority.

Here are the remaining Relay For Life (and Bark For Life) events in New Mexico:

July:

30 - Relay For Life of Chaves County, NM

August:

6 - Relay For Life of Estancia Valley, NM

7 - Relay For Life of Taos, NM

21- Bark For Life of Albuquerque, NM (Bark For Life is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer)

27- Relay For Life of Las Cruces, NM

Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer so they can celebrate another birthday. This year more than 11 million people will be able to do that thanks to the support of millions of dedicated Relay participants like you. Thank you for all you do!

So... What is Relay For Life Anyway?

Relay For Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to end the disease.

What Happens at a Relay?

Relay starts with a Survivors Lap – a inspirational time when survivors are invited to kick off the event, circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer.

After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer. That personal commitment may be to do something as simple as getting a screening test, quitting smoking, or talking to elected officials about cancer.

It's important to note that anyone can participate in a Relay For Life event. You can join an existing team, start your own team, or participate as an individual. Check out this virtual tour of a Relay event.

Everyone's reason to Relay is unique. Some find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one. Others enjoy meeting people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer. Find a New Mexico Relay For Life event and join with your community to celebrate survivors, remember those we have lost, and fight back against cancer.

Cancer Survivors And Caregivers Are Celebrated At Relay For Life

Survivors are the reason we Relay.

A survivor is anyone who has ever heard the words “You have cancer.” And we invite all cancer survivors in the community to attend Relay For Life. Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer – so they can celebrate another birthday. This year more than 11 million people will be able to do that thanks to the support of millions of dedicated Relay participants.

Most Relays open with the Survivors Lap where cancer survivors lead the way around the track while being honored and applauded by all participants. The Survivors Lap is an inspirational and emotional example of how Relay participants are ensuring that more lives are saved each year.

We also recognize and celebrate caregivers at Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who face cancer. At Relay, people understand the frustrations and joys of being a caregiver, since the effects of cancer reach far beyond just the person diagnosed.

Anyone can participate in Relay For Life. Friends, families, neighbors, classmates, sports teams, etc., can form their own teams. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

Find a Relay For Life near you and please join us.

Luminaria and Relay For Life

Luminaria sales are a very effective way to fundraise for your Relay event. The Luminaria Ceremony is one of the most memorable aspects of the Relay experience; a time to honor cancer survivors and a time to remember those we have lost.

Work with your event’s Luminaria subcommittee to encourage committee members and teams to promote luminaria donations. Some events ask for a minimum donation, and others leave the amount up to the donor. The Luminaria subcommittee decides what is best for your local community.

For additional information on the Luminaria Ceremony or fundraising through luminaria, please refer to the Fundraising Development Guidebook in the Committee Chair Tools section on RelayForLife.org. You can also find helpful information and tips from other Relayers in the Luminaria Forum as well as the Fundraising Forum.

Remember, you can continue to sell luminaria after the ceremony is over. Many latecomers will appreciate the opportunity to remember and honor their loved one.

Thanks for all you do for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life!

The Power Of Purple

Communities across America, from big cities to small towns, are ready to turn purple. Help your community get ready to participate in the Relay event by spreading the word about Relay For Life in your school, your workplace or any place where people gather. It's an opportunity to invite others to take up the fight.

Sharing the Power of Purple is easy and fun! Just hang up some purple decorations, wear your favorite Relay gear or purple shirt, even screw a purple bulb into your porch light. Show your purple pride in all you do! You can pick a day to make a splash in your community, or you can encourage other Relay participants to keep the purple going until the day of your event.

Check out these Power of Purple Toolkits for ideas

• Share the Power of Purple in Your Town
• Share the Power of Purple in Your School
• Share the Power of Purple in Your College Campus
• Share the Power of Purple in Your Workplace
• Power of Purple Promotional Materials

You can find a list of upcoming Relay For Life events on the Relay For Life website. Thank you so much to all of our volunteers and communities for your continued support!

Relay For Life Events in New Mexico

We are so excited as the Relay For Life season kicks off in New Mexico!

If you haven't signed up for Relay yet, it's easy to find an event near you. You can join a team, start your own, or participate as an individual. There's a place for everyone at Relay For Life and anyone can participate!

We invite you to come out and join us as we Celebrate survivors, Remember those we have lost, and Fight Back against this disease by working with elected and appointed officials to ensure that cancer remains a top local, state and national priority. Here are the upcoming Relay events in our state:

June:

4 - Relay For Life of Hobbs, NM

4 - Relay For Life of Lincoln County, NM

4 - Relay For Life of Valencia County, NM

5 - Relay For Life of Grants, NM

11 - Relay For Life of Artesia, NM

11 - Relay For Life of Las Vegas, NM

11 - Relay For Life of Santa Fe, NM

12 - Relay For Life of Espanola, NM

18 - Relay For Life of Albuquerque, NM

18 - Relay For Life of Hildago County/Lordsburg, NM

18 - Relay For Life of McKinley County/Gallup, NM

25 - Relay For Life of Aztec, NM

25 - Relay For Life of Los Alamos, NM

25 - Relay For Life of Rio Rancho, NM

26 - Relay For Life of Del Norte/Chama, NM

26 - Relay For Life of Santa Rosa, NM

July:

16 - Relay For Life of Colfax County, NM

16 - Relay For Life of Grant County / Silver City, NM

23 - Relay For Life of Los Lunas, NM

30 - Relay For Life of Chaves County, NM

August:

6 - Relay For Life of Estancia Valley, NM

7 - Relay For Life of Taos, NM

27 - Relay For Life of Las Cruces, NM

Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer so they can celebrate another birthday. This year more than 11 million people will be able to do that thanks to the support of millions of dedicated Relay participants.

Please Join us for the Pink Power Game at Isotopes Park …

Sunday, April 18, 1:35 p.m. at the Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball Park on 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE. Breast cancer survivors clad in pink will be on hand to sing the national anthem and throw out the ceremonial first pitch as the Albuquerque Isotopes take on the Omaha Royals.

The event will honor breast cancer survivors and raise awareness about the importance of early detection … as well as promote the American Cancer Society’s upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. The walk is Sunday, April 25, and participants can register and start anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The five-mile walk begins at Cottonwood Mall. Anyone interested in the walk can register at informational booths at this game.

Pink water bottles promoting the Pink Power Game will be given to the first 3,000 attendees at the game. Individuals may also gather information about breast and other cancers during the evening. This information will be available at booths set up by Pink Power Game sponsors – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, First Financial Credit Union and the American Cancer Society. Also on hand to provide information will be the New Mexico Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

For more information about game tickets contact the Isotopes Park Box Office at 505-222-4058, or to purchase tickets over the phone call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online please visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.albuquerquebaseball.com .

For more information about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline , call 505-559-9424, or email albuquerquestrides@cancer.org. Together we can Make a Difference, Make History and Make Strides.

2010 Making Strides Honorary Survivor

Susan Johnson, a native New Mexican, born and raised in Albuquerque has been named the honoraray survivor for the 11th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk of Albuquerque. She has been a Mortgage Loan Originator for over 20 years and has one son, Kevin, and 2 granddaughters, Maiya and Makenna. Susan is a proud supporter of the Albuquerque Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and recently celebrated five (5) years of being cancer free.

2010 Making Strides Flagship Sponsors

The success of the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer depends on individuals, teams, and, of course, the generous support of our sponsors. Our lifesaving work in the fight against breast cancer would not be possible without the generosity of sponsoring businesses and community organizations. We recognize and thank them every chance we get, yet they’re often the ones thanking us...

Representatives from the three local corporations announced their commitment to the 11th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk of Albuquerque. Matthew Fontana, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Mexico announced their commitment for their tenth year as a flagship sponsor. Michael Lucero, shift manager at Walmart Store #850 on Carlisle announced their eighth year as a flagship sponsor. Ben Heyward, president and CEO of First Financial Credit Union announced their second year as a flagship sponsor.

Left to right are: Geraldine Esquivel, district executive director for the American Cancer Society; Matthew Fontana, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Mexico; Ben Heyward, president and CEO of First Financial Credit Union; and Michael Lucero, shift manager at Walmart Store #850 on Carlisle.

NOTE: X-Ray Associates of New Mexico also signed on recently as a Flagship Corporate Sponsor for the walk after this photo was taken.

Governor Bill Richardson Signs Legislation for 75 Cent per Pack Cigarette Tax Increase

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson took a major step forward in protecting New Mexico's children from tobacco-related addiction and disease when he signed into law House Bill 3, a bill passed during the recent special session, increasing the tax on cigarettes by 75 cents per pack. The 75-cent increase brings New Mexico's tax to $1.66 per pack, ranking it 18th highest in the country and well above the current national average of $1.34 per pack.

House Bill 3, sponsored by Representatives Gail Chasey and Danice Picraux in the House of Representatives and Senators Dede Feldman and Mary Jane Garcia in the Senate, was the last bill passed during the 2010 special session.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, along with the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and New Mexicans Concerned About Tobacco championed the cigarette tax increase in New Mexico to provide current smokers an incentive to quit and to prevent youth from starting to smoke.

Currently in New Mexico, an estimated 279,000 adults and 22,000 youth smoke. Research has consistently shown that every 10 percent increase in price of cigarettes reduces youth smoking by 7 percent and cuts overall consumption by about 4 percent.

The increased tax will generate about $33 million in revenue for the state in the first year. The revenue from the tax increase will be directed to help offset cuts to various programs such as education, early childhood education, Medicaid, and other health services funded by the state's general fund.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Hosts NM Lobby Day 2010

Nathan Bush (left), Government Relations VP for ACS CAN, was one of a number of speakers during a 2010 Lobby Day press conference in the New Mexico state capital rotunda.

Survivors, volunteers, caregivers, family and friends visited their New Mexico legislators on Thursday, January 28th urging them to pass a $1.00 cigarette tax increase and to protect master Settlement Fund Agreement funding for tobacco use and prevention control programs.

State Representative Brian Egolf and State Senator Dede Feldman both spoke of their support for a cigarette tax and their sponsoring bills regarding that tax. This tax was expected to generate over $30 million in recurring revenue earmarked for public schools, reduce the number of youth who start to smoke, and relieve the health cost burden on taxpayers for tobacco related health costs.

Opposing the bill was several tobacco lobbyists and representatives from several business groups. The House Business and Industry Committee eventually voted to table the bill effectively killing it during this short 30-day session.

Despite this bill being tabled numerous volunteers and advocates helped voice their support of ACS CAN legislative priorities and programs to help hold the line despite the budget crisis New Mexico faces.

To learn more about ACS CAN contact Traci Cadigan, New Mexico government relations director, at 505-559-9426 or Paula Wackenheim, New Mexico grassroots relationship manager, at 505-262-6014.

Las Cruces Sun-News Helps Get Word Out About Cancer Resource Center

Vicki Nisbett, of the Las Cruces Sun-News ("Healthy U" magazine), did an extensive article and a photo on the Las Cruces Cancer Resource Center (LCCRC) which was posted on the paper's Web site January 5. This CRC is located inside the Southern New Mexico Cancer Center (SNMCC) in Las Cruces and provides free services and support for cancer patients, their family and friends, and caretakers. The article provides info about the CRC and lets the local community know we have volunteer opportunities available. The LCCRC Chair Marie Roberts was interviewed as well as SNMCC Doctor Constance Wash. The Society appreciates Vicki Nisbett's and the Sun-News' help in getting the word out. To view the article online please click on the following link: http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-healthy_u/ci_14126735

Giving Back to the Roswell Community--Wayne Kirkpatrick

Wayne Kirkpatrick, of Roswell Radio, helped develop a public service announcement for the American Cancer Society's Cancer Resource Center in Roswell, NM. The PSA was developed for free and will air in the coming months to help the community there become more aware of the free services and programs available at the resource center located inside the Eastern NM Medical Center. The PSA will also hopefully attract more volunteers to help the society provide those services and programs. At a young age Kirkpatrick lost his mother to cancer and he felt it was important to help others in his community battling this disease.

RUNNER'S WORLD to Feature Cancer Activist's Journey Across Three States - PRNewsChannel.com

RUNNER'S WORLD to Feature Cancer Activist's Journey Across Three States - PRNewsChannel.com

Dustin Hucks 1,300 journey on foot in support of his Aunt Debbie, who is battling cancer, and the American Cancer Society took him from Southern California through Arizona and New Mexico on his way to Texas. On his journey to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society he encountered many obtacles. However, he also found many unexpected friends and supporters from Society staff to complete strangers. Read more about his journey in the upcoming April 2010 issue of Runner's World.

Please Join Us for the 2010 ACS CAN New Mexico Lobby Day on January 28!

Courtesy Paula Wackenheim,
ACS CAN New Mexico Staff *


Please Join Us for the 2010 ACS CAN New Mexico Lobby Day!

Who: Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates

What: Advocate for Legislation that will benefit cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their family and friends.

When: Thursday January 28, 2010 from 9:30.a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Press Conference at 1 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda

Where: Roundhouse - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why: In a very tight fiscal year for the state of New Mexico we need advocates like you who are willing to advocate so that important programs like the New Mexico Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Programs don’t face cuts. We will also be advocating for a tobacco tax, which will help the state generate revenue and curb the rates of youth who start smoking – a Win-Win for the state of New Mexico.

Transportation: There will be two groups meeting to take the RailRunner to Santa Fe, if you would like to join them they will be meeting at the Bernallio County RailRunner Station (off of Rio Bravo in ABQ) at 7:00 am or at the Los Ranchos/Journal Center station at 7:25am. The groups will be riding the 4:10pm train back from Santa Fe and will be arriving in ABQ between 5:30-6pm depending upon which stop.

If you choose to drive parking is available at Garrett's Desert Lodge in Santa Fe for $7 for the day.

Additional Details:

Lobby Day this year will consist of legislative visits and a press conference at 1pm in the Capitol Rotunda. Those planning to attend Lobby Day will be asked to attend a pre-lobby day training phone call on either Monday January 25 or Wednesday January 27at 4 p.m.

On Lobby Day, Thursday January 28, attendees will pick up a lobby day “survival kit”, which will include a light breakfast, and make visits to their legislators’ offices. Attendees will also be asked to attend the press conference at 1 p.m.

If you are unable to attend Lobby Day, please plan on participating in our statewide call-in day, which will occur in conjunction with Lobby Day on January 28. More details to follow.

For additional information please contact Paula Wackenheim at paula.wackenheim@cancer.org

*ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.