Breast Cancer Awareness Program

DANBURY — Actress Marcia Wallace will share her personal story about breast cancer at the “Evening of Light and Laughter” breast cancer awareness event on October 7 at 7 pm immediately following the candlelight vigil at 6 pm at Western Connecticut State University, 181 White Street. Ms Wallace’s appearance is sponsored by the AstraZeneca Visions of Hope Community Speakers Program, which aims to educate people around the country about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, while providing support for patients currently battling the disease.

A 16-year survivor of breast cancer, Ms Wallace, has come a long way since her role as Carol Kester on The Bob Newhart Show. She has become a high profile advocate to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. In October 1998, she was featured in a People magazine cover story on the American breast cancer epidemic along with other celebrities who have survived breast cancer.

“We’re very excited to welcome Marcia Wallace to Danbury, to share her knowledge on breast cancer and her personal, moving story,” said Michelle Wolf, the American Cancer Society’s area director of cancer control. “Opportunities like the ‘Evening of Light and Laughter’ event and the AstraZeneca Visions of Hope Community Speakers Program are important to help raise awareness of this disease and help celebrate these survivors’ strength and courage in their fight.”

The event will be hosted by the American Cancer Society in collaboration with the following organizations: Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital; Ann’s Place, the Home of J. Can; Lorad, a Hologic Company; and Western Connecticut State University, with Ms Wallace serving as the featured speaker.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women aside from skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that 39,800 women will die of the disease this year alone including 500 in Connecticut.