10-08-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Photo) - 10/08/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice issued a proclamation at the Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the month of October 2025 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “Today there are more than four million breast cancer survivors in America, however hundreds of thousands more will be diagnosed this year alone, facing a diagnosis that is often frightening and overwhelming.  During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor the memories of all those lost to breast cancer, while we extend strength and support to their families, caregivers, survivors, and those currently undergoing treatment.  Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with over 2 million new cases diagnosed each year, and countless families impacted by its emotional and physical toll.  We know that for millions of families, cancer is deeply personal.  Too many Americans know the pain of losing a mother, sister, wife, daughter, or loved one to breast cancer.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

“Today, we are here to promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  For nearly four decades the United States has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time annually devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and making sure everyone has access to timely, high-quality health care. In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed and another 670,000 died from the disease. These are not just numbers but mothers, sisters, daughters and friends that deserve hope and dignity,” stated Commissioner and Board Chair Tim Freeman. 

Commissioner Freeman presented National Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation certificates to Tammy Turner, Executive Director, Community Cancer Center; Angelia Freeman, Program Manager, Community Cancer Center; Catherine Shipley, Volunteer, Douglas County Cancer Services; Sharon Carlson, Board Chair, Douglas County Cancer Services;  Diana Denton, Volunteer, Douglas County Cancer Services; Nanci Bogardus, Volunteer, Douglas County Cancer Services; Cynthia Norona, Clinical Healthcare Worker, Evergreen Family Medicine; Brenda Burks, Clinical Healthcare Worker, Evergreen Family Medicine; David Myhill, Clinical Healthcare Worker, Evergreen Family Medicine; Sarah Swanson, Community Cancer Control Specialist, OHSU Knight Cancer Instiitute; and Nikki Hansen, Public Affairs Officer, Roseburg VA Healthcare System.  The Commissioners were honored to have a number of breast cancer survivors in attendance this morning as well.  They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the dedicated medical professionals, healthcare researchers, volunteers, and supporters all over Douglas County who work tirelessly to improve prevention, detection, and treatment with the goal of ending breast cancer as we know it. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was established in October 1985 as a week-long event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month later evolved into the month-long international health campaign we know today organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support, and cure for those affected by breast cancer.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascoumtyor.gov. 

Proclamation & Photo Collage Attached. Photos K.Tate/Douglas County.