Survivor database has grown from 200 to 2500 in six years

Frankfort, KY :  For the seventh year, the “Celebration of Hope” in honor of Kentucky breast cancer survivors will be held Monday, May 3, 1:30 pm at  the Governor’s Mansion.

The idea of the first Celebration of Hope was a desire to pay tribute to Kentucky’s breast cancer survivors, initiated by former First Lady Judi Patton in 1996. “I am committed to carrying on this tradition. It is important to bring attention to not only our successes in the continued battle with this disease, but also to the need for early detection and further advancements,” said First Lady Glenna Fletcher.

Both nationally and in Kentucky, breast cancer is the most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.  As a former nurse, Mrs. Fletcher will make promoting healthy lifestyles for all Kentuckians a priority in her role as First Lady.

The Celebration of Hope is a time to meet many remarkable women from across the state, honoring and sharing their stories of survival.

Last year, more than 2,500 invitations were sent to women whose names are maintained in the commonwealth’s only known breast cancer survivor database.  Anyone wishing to add a name to the database should contact Mary Sharfe by e-mail at mary.sharfe@mail.state.ky.us or by phone at (502) 573-2382.

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