VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI -- Riverwalk Casino Hotel and American Cancer Society "Bras for Breast Cancer" fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society is underway.
SO, HOW MANY BRAS DOES IT TAKE? Not since Hernando de Soto (the first European known to travel the Mississippi) crossed the mighty river has there been a mission of this magnitude. According to Terrell Temple Civil Engineer and owner of Engineering Plus in Meridian it will require 2,816 bras. The Old Highway 80 Bridge spans 1.6 miles across the river according to Bridge Superintendent Herman Smith. Taking into account the average bra size is 36 inches in circumference; the math deducts just over 2800 bras. For each bra collected, Riverwalk Casino is donating $1 to the American Cancer Society.
STRINGING THEM UP! Thursday November 6th at 7am the stringing process will begin and at 10am Riverwalk Casino Hotel will present the donation to the American Cancer Society in a dedication ceremony at the Mississippi River Bridge just off Washington Street in Vicksburg. Survivors, friends, and family are all invited to take part in the ceremony. Area media including radio stations Miss 103 and Q105.1 will provide live coverage of the event.
REVEALING THE FACTS: 1600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among Mississippi women this year of an estimated 180,000 new breast cancer cases nationwide. Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Studies have shown early detection saves lives and increases treatment options. The 5 year relative survival for localized breast cancer (malignant cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or other locations outside the breast) has increased from 80% in the 1950's to 98% today.
AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE: "the massive presence of the Bridge and its expanse over the Mighty Mississippi River I hope gives some representation of just how large a task the ACS has in making more women aware of this killer that can lurk within" says Herman Smith. Director of Communications and Marketing for the American Cancer Society Kelly Lindsay had this to say "an idea this untraditional generates greater awareness and hopefully earlier screenings which can ultimately lead to better outcomes". Riverwalk Casino Marketing Director Ginny Tzotzolas added "Bras for Breast Cancer actively demonstrates our willingness to support such a worthy organization like the American Cancer Society but it also gives us great pleasure in doing so".
INSERT HERE: Supporters are asked to donate old bras thru November 3rd at the following locations: In Jackson, the American Cancer Society offices, the Clear Channel Radio offices, or select Curves for Women locations. In Vicksburg, Shape Up Sisters or the Riverwalk Casino offices in Pemberton Square Mall. ABOUT US: Riverwalk Casino is the new and only single level, land based gaming facility with restaurants, lodging, and Corporate Art Program located in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi. The opening for Riverwalk Casino, pending Mississippi Gaming Commission approval, is scheduled for late October 2008.
###
