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, ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of fatal cancer in women in the United States and is a serious and under-recognized threat to women’s health across the nation; and

WHEREAS, the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age and a family history of this disease; ovarian cancer is treatable, when detected early, before it has spread beyond the ovaries and at this stage, the 5-year rate can be 95%; 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, 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, in striving towards this goal, the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation was officially incorporated and received its 501(c)(3) status in April of 2010:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 15, 2012, 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 15th day of September 2012.

 

      

Robert Bentley, Governor