Breast Cancer Awareness

For Edna Cervantes, cancer is not something to take lightly.

She's lost her aunt, three sisters and a cousin to breast cancer.

And she lost her mother to another type of female cancer.

"I am a survivor, and I've had it twice," Cervantes said. "It runs in my family real bad."

On Tuesday Cervantes attended a luncheon at the MCM Grandé Hotel FunDome, hosted by the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women.

Mayors from both Odessa and Midland signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 28, 2008, as Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

Proceeds from the luncheon are used to provide no-cost mammograms for women in Ector and Midland counties. It is meant for women who do not have access to mammograms because their incomes exceed the limit allowed by Medicaid and because they are too young to receive Medicare benefits.

The fund-raising event was made possible by a partnership between Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Midland Memorial Hospital and Medical Center Hospital.

Anabel Spencer, executive director of marketing and communications at MCH, said the three groups worked together as a team in trying to promote the awareness of breast cancer.

"Last year was more of an awareness event," Spencer said. "This year we thought we would combine awareness as well as fund-raising toward prevention."

A total of eight women, all cancer survivors, were honored at the second annual event.

Speaking at the luncheon was motivational speaker, Suzie Humphreys.

"My motto is, whatever you've got to go through, it's healthier to do it with humor," Humphreys said. "Laugh all the way."

Cervantes was first diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast in 1993. Three years later she was diagnosed again with cancer in her left breast.

As a 12- and 15-year survivor, she said she hopes Tuesday's luncheon helps to raise awareness about the disease.

"It can be beat," Cervantes said. "Early detection is very important."

SURVIVOR CHAMPIONS

Ramon Billhimer

Edna Cervantes

Gloria Lambert

Kathy Martin

Deborah McPherson

Liz Shelton

Janet Courtroul

Cindy Koonce