For Immediate Release
May 6, 1998
Contact: Kristen Miller (502) 564-2611

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Patton and First Lady Judi Patton hosted a reception in the Governor’s Mansion today for a group of very special guests – all of the nearly 200 attendees were women who have survived breast cancer.

The women introduced themselves not only by their names, but by how long they have lived cancer-free. Guests included Shirley Dexter, daughter of Senator Wendell Ford, and Evelyn Parks, a Richmond woman who fought breast cancer – and won – almost 50 years ago. They were greeted by Donna Smith, wife of University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith, and June Mumme, a breast cancer survivor and wife of UK football coach Hal Mumme.

Mrs. Patton said, "There is no better time than Mother’s Day to celebrate the strength of our Kentucky women who are battling and overcoming one of life’s greatest adversities. These wonderful women represent our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives, and friends. I am pleased that June and Donna join me in recognizing these survivors and together we are encouraging all Kentucky women over 40 to have yearly mammograms."

Governor Patton said, "I am proud to share this afternoon with so many strong women. My wife Judi has worked very hard for the fight against breast cancer, and her work has shown that breast cancer is not just a women’s issue. It’s an issue for every person who loves or depends on someone who could fall victim to this illness."

Breast cancer support groups from across the state, like Right to Recovery and the Kentucky Breast Cancer Coalition, supplied the guest list for today’s reception. Mrs. Patton gave away several door prizes to the attendees, including two Governor’s Derby Breakfast posters signed by herself and Governor Patton, a football signed by Hal Mumme, and a basketball signed by Tubby Smith.

Mrs. Patton is also featured this month on cards promoting a program sponsored by Rite Aid and local health departments, offering free mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. This is the second year she has worked with the Rite Aid program.

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