Letter: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer seeks assistance

After serving in the war, my Uncle James died from breast cancer in 1971. He was 53 years old.

He died of breast cancer, which is very rare in men. My grandmother survived a double mastectomy for 35 years and lived to be 101. Cancer did not take her life as she passed from natural causes.

Twenty two years ago, a friend asked me to help on an event for the American Cancer Society and I took a chance and said yes. After volunteering for that event, I looked at my family history and found a lot of cancer and decided to do something about it.

I volunteered for more than 10 years for the society and enjoyed every minute of it. Today, I am going to ask you the same question my friend asked me: Will you volunteer your time? The American Cancer Society is looking for new volunteers for the planning committee of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Yuba City-Marysville. We are hopeful to find community members that have a strong passion for this cause.

This year in Yuba County, 45 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer and Sutter County will have 60. Unfortunately, by the end of 2013, 15 people will die from breast cancer in these two counties, according to the American Cancer Society, California Cancer Registry and California Department of Public Health.

If you are ready to make a difference, join us. Send your information to MakingStridesYubaSutter@cancer.org or call 800-227-2345 today. You can help us create more birthdays in Yuba and Sutter counties.

Matthew A. Foor