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Lottery Ticket for the Cure sales fund mobile salon services
By Janice A. Youngwith
It's exactly like winning the lottery.
That's how breast cancer patients and survivors feel about the Ticket For The Cure community grant that in 2008 granted $35,000 to Breast Cancer Network of Strength' Mobile Salon program.
First created in January 2005 by the Illinois General Assembly to fund breast health education and awareness, this year's grant focuses on expanding services to breast cancer patients.
"It's definitely what we're all about," notes Sara Cohen, Development Director, Breast Cancer Network Of Strength Illinois, the organization providing Mobile Salon services as an extension of their Sharon Rose Wig and Prosthesis Salon.
"This year's grant monies will enhance our Mobile Salon which provides wigs, bras prosthesis and softies free of charge to women with breast cancer right in the setting where they are receiving treatment," Cohen says.
Since its 2008 launch, the Mobile Salon and a support staff of trained fitters, have helped more than 100 breast cancer patients at six sites, Cohen says. The grant will enable services to expand to include continuous visits at 12 locations.
Sponsored by the Illinois lottery, all proceeds from the instant ticket go to Illinois organizations that provide breast cancer education, outreach and support.
It is the first lottery ticket in the nation to help fund breast cancer research, services and awareness organizations. Proceeds are distributed by the Illinois Board of Public Health, which awards grants to Illinois-based nonprofit organizations.
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