FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2003
LARSON PRESENTS BREAST CANCER HEROINE AWARD TO SHWANA BRATHWAITE OF EAST HARTFORD
HARTFORD- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today presented the Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award to Shwana Brathwaite of East Hartford 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 that 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: "Shwana has shown a tremendous commitment and devotion to those who are affected by breast cancer. Her efforts give understanding, comfort and knowledge to women who have breast cancer and their families, as well as raise awareness and promote early detection. I am proud to present this award to her and hope that her incredible work and dedication will inspire others to follow in the same path."
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 this past May. Her niece, Carolyn Chemerka, was on hand to present the award with Larson.
Also present were Susan Davis, President of the Connecticut Breast Cancer Coalition/Foundation and Dr. Andrew Salner, head of the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital.
"It is wonderful that Representative Larson recognized a woman like Shwana, who does so much to help the women of Connecticut who are battling this awful disease," said Davis. "We are thrilled that she is on our board--bringing her energy and her caring and her dedication. She has made a tremendous effort in our current Working for a Cure license plate drive. We know she will continue to make a difference in the future."
Brathwaite works at the American Cancer Society where she implements programs for patients and caregivers, develops and maintains collaborative relationships throughout the state to strengthen cancer control activities, and recruits, trains, and manages volunteers, among other responsibilities. She also serves on the board of the Connecticut Breast Cancer Coalition and organizes a health fair each year.
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