The Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation Day

WHEREAS, throughout the month of September, awareness of Ovarian Cancer is raised across the United States through the TEAL (Take Early Action and Live) Initiative; and

WHEREAS, the initiative has two objectives: helping women become aware of ovarian cancer symptoms and letting women know that after experiencing these symptoms for an extended period of time, it is imperative to speak to a physician; and

WHEREAS, if detected early, the survival rate of ovarian cancer is 89 percent, but many are not diagnosed until stage IV, when survival rates are reduced to 18 percent; and

WHEREAS, known as the "silent killer," ovarian cancer symptoms are vague and often not reported; and

WHEREAS, most women mistakenly assume they have been screened for ovarian cancer with their annual pap smear and pelvic exam, though currently, there is not an accurate screening method for this disease; and

WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States there will be 21,900 new cases and 15,460 deaths from ovarian cancer in 2011; and

WHEREAS, formed in December 2009, shortly before Laura Crandall Brown lost her fight with ovarian cancer, the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation was created to educate and promote awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and to support research for an effective early detection method; and

WHEREAS, the 2nd Annual Head Over Teal 5K and Family Day, benefitting the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation, will be held September 17, 2011 in Hoover, Alabama; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2011, as

The Laura Crandall Brown

Ovarian Cancer Foundation Day

in the State of the Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 13th day of September 2011.

___Governor Robert Bentley