Families Impacted By Cancer Turn Out To Support Cancer Walk "Many Small Steps Making A Big Difference.

Hundreds of local families impacted by cancer will take part in the Mother's Day Walk Against Cancer. This event is produced by Latinas Contra Cancer, a local nonprofit agency that deals with the issue of cancer in the Latino community.

SAN JOSE, Calif. May 9, 2004 A City of San Jose employee and 10 family members will be walking with their 71 year old mother who is currently battling breast cancer. A 17-year-old cancer survivor will be volunteering at the walk, helping to raise awareness about the disease he overcame. Another family who lost their mother to cancer will also be walking in her memory. They along with hundreds like them will be participating in the "Mother's Day Walk Against Cancer".

The Mothers Day Walk Against Cancer commences at 8:30 a.m. at St. James Park in downtown San Jose. The 2.6-mile walk ends with a brunch at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Over 300 walkers are expected, including San Jose City Council Members Nora Campos and Cindy Chavez.

Proceeds from this years walk will help Latinas Contra Cancer provide various programs including free counseling. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will benefit other small agencies including Las Isabelas.

The purpose of this event is to let the community know that they are not alone in this struggle, said Ysabel Duron, Executive Director of Latinas Contra Cancer. Not addressing the issue will not make it go away.

The San Jose based non-profit produces two annual fundraising events - Una Luz, Una Vida, Fiesta Navidena and The Mothers Day Walk Against Cancer to provide a stream of revenue that aids in the development and support of its programs. Both events focus on the need to support Latinos who are isolated in their fight against cancer due to cultural and linguistic barriers. High mortality rates are attributed to lack of education and early prevention. Latinas Contra Cancer aims to increase awareness in the community through the annual walk.

About Latinas Contra Cancer
Latinas Contra Cancer was founded to address the void in culturally and linguistically sensitive programs that meet the health care needs of Latinos around the issues of cancer. Latinas Contra Cancer targets the underserved, Spanish speaking Latino community in California. Because similar needs exist throughout Latino communities around the country, Latinas Contra Cancer also provides service nationwide.

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Media Contact:

Lizzeth Bellot
Event Coordinator
408-661-3850
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