LARSON PRESENTS BREAST CANCER HEROINE AWARD TO MARIA PALOMARES OF MANCHESTER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 28, 2006LARSON PRESENTS BREAST CANCER HEROINE AWARD TO MARIA PALOMARES OF MANCHESTER
HARTFORD? U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today presented the Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award to Maria Palomares of Manchester in honor of her dedicated work in the fight against breast cancer. Larson presents the award each year to a resident of the First Congressional District who has shown extraordinary dedication to working on the issue of breast cancer through education, prevention, treatment, and awareness. Larson presented the award at the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital.
Larson stated: ?Maria has shown great dedication to raising awareness of the importance of early detection and regular screening. Likewise, her compassion and commitment have helped many women and their families who are affected by breast cancer. I am proud to present this award to Maria in appreciation of her efforts and for the inspiration she provides to women who are dealing with or who have beaten breast cancer.?
The award is named for Nancy Pilver, formerly of Manchester, who was the first recipient of the award in 1999. Pilver was a long-time breast cancer activist who served as the State Legislative Chair of the Connecticut Breast Cancer Coalition Foundation. Larson was so inspired by her story that he decided to name the award after her in 2000. Pilver died in May 2003.
Also present were Susan Davis, President of the Connecticut Breast Cancer Coalition Foundation, Dr. Andrew Salner, head of the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital, and John Meehan, President and CEO of Hartford Hospital.
?Maria is a wonderful example of how one woman can really make a difference in the lives of many who are fighting breast cancer. Maria is always there to provide support, resources and do whatever she can for everyone she meets. She is a great advocate for women with breast cancer,? said Davis.
Palomares is a case manager at the CT Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and WISEWOMAN at Hartford Hospital. She is a longtime activist in the fight against breast cancer. She also serves as a liaison to the State Department of Public Health.
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