- OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER MONTH -
HAVE YOU RESERVED YOUR PINK LICENSE PLATE YET?

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AUGUSTA – "The breast cancer awareness license plate is largely for the woman (or man) traveling behind you - like a Buddy-to-Buddy program that's taken to the highway," said Meredith Strang Burgess the State Representative and breast cancer survivor who's championed the cause to get 2,000 reservations for the plate by year's end.

Aside from serving as a reminder to get your mammograms (early detection saves lives) the plates serve as a fundraiser (all funds stay 100% in Maine) to help defray screening costs for under-served and under-insured women, help patients who need financial assistance during treatment and recovery, and invest in Maine-based research to eradicate breast cancer. Specifically, besides the initial $20, annual renewals for the plates will cost $15. With each new plate purchased, $10 will go to one of three funds established by groups that help Maine cancer patients. Another $10 will be donated for each subsequent plate renewal.

The easiest way to sign up for one of the plates is by visiting the web site at www.mainecancer.org. With a wink of her eye, Strang Burgess suggested that if you wanted to help out the cause, but you're not sure pink will go well with your car's color-scheme, you can always reserve a plate and simply not go through with picking one up at the DMV. "We really need people's support around this. The more little reminders we can cast out there - a ribbon here, a plate there, a caring TV campaign, a coffee klatch conversation - they all add up! Cancer is the pits - anything we can do to help people find cancer early is absolutely worth it. Early detection saves lives."

The breast cancer awareness license plate would be authorized under LD 775, sponsored by Rep. Strang Burgess and co-sponsored by 66 other legislators. The bill will not be brought up for a vote until the campaign can register at least 2,000 reservations for the plate. Along with reservation forms, individuals must submit a check for $20 to secure their reservation.