When breast cancer touches a wife, mother or daughter, it leaves an everlasting mark on husbands, fathers and sons, Mrs. Ridge said. I m pleased to see Pennsylvania s efforts recognized here today. Mrs. Lauder also is the President and founder of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is a statewide grassroots organization that speaks to and for breast-cancer survivors. The Coalition represents patients, survivors, families, medical professionals, government, and labor and business leaders who are dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in Pennsylvania women.
This year, the state projects that the disease will strike about 12,000 Pennsylvanians. Gov. Ridge and Mrs. Ridge are strong advocates for women s and family health. In 1997, Gov. Ridge signed into law Act 7, which enables Pennsylvanians to contribute to breast and cervical cancer research on their state income tax return either by donating part of their refund or through a direct donation to the Department of Health. In 1997, Gov. Ridge signed a law guaranteeing insurance coverage for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction up to six years after surgery. Each year, Mrs. Ridge leads the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, which raises funds for breast-cancer awareness, educational efforts and research.