Planning under way for 15th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Volunteers are needed to help with the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, talking place in October.Mary Chase of Tamworth and Crystal Weir of North Conway, the new co-chairs of the event, invite anyone who would like to become involved in the fight against breast cancer to join them for a volunteer committee meeting on Monday, June 11, at 6 p.m. in the Sun Room at The Memorial Hospital. (For those who can't make the first meeting, the next one will be Monday, July 16, at 6 p.m. in the hospital's Sun Room.) Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams; seek community support; coordinate logistics; find refreshments and prizes; plan entertainment; and lend their support in any way. If you would like more information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in North Conway call Kathy Metz at American Cancer Society at (603) 356-3719 or e-mail Kathy.metz@cancer.org.This year, North Conways Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will take place on Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Staples Parking Lot/Settlers' Green. It will be one of more than 110 being held across the country, and one of eight being held in New Hampshire. The American Cancer Society uses the dollars raised through Making Strides events to fund breast cancer research; provide up-to-date breast cancer information; ensure that all women have access to breast cancer screening and treatments, regardless of income; and provide services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families. For more information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or to register, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline.Some of the local American Cancer Society programs supported through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer include: "Reach to Recovery." The American Cancer Society links newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors to offer information, answer questions and provide support while serving as role models for life after breast cancer. "Look GoodFeel Better." A program that could be described as a makeover for the soul, "Look Good...Feel Better" is a one-time educational session run by professional cosmetologists. Women with cancer are taught how to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. 1-800-ACS-2345. Trained cancer information specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer questions about cancer, link callers with resources in their communities and provide information on local events. www.cancer.org. Reliable, user-friendly site containing in-depth information on every major cancer type. Answers are provided to questions about the nature of breast cancer: causes and risk factors; the latest strategies for prevention and early detection; new diagnostic techniques; the latest treatment option;s and services available in your area. "Road to Recovery." Transportation to life-saving medical appointments can be a challenge for someone with cancer. An American Cancer Society volunteer will drive patients to and from treatment. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.