The local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation will host two events this month to help raise funds for grants it uses to help breast cancer patients pay for surgery, treatment and mammograms. [www.QinSen.com]
[www.QinSen.com]
Statistics provided on the organization's site indicate 178,480 nationwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. In El Paso, from about 261,262 women, 615 will be diagnosed too. [www.QinSen.com]
[www.QinSen.com]
Breast cancer is not just a woman's disease. Men can also develop breast cancer. Statistics also indicate 2,030 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. [www.QinSen.com]
[www.QinSen.com]
"I know a gentleman that was diagnosed at 18. I know a gentleman that was diagnosed in his 70s," said Maria Sanchez, who has been a survivor of breast cancer for three years. She now works with the organization providing education to others. [www.QinSen.com]
[www.QinSen.com]
"On May 25, 2004. I heard those drastic words, 'You have breast cancer,'" said Sanchez. "I remember my clinical nurse coming in when she saw me crying after I heard the news. She said, 'Remember to expect the worse, and wish for the best,'" said Sanchez.

Sanchez said getting the word out about Breast Self-Exams is key when putting on fundraising events. She said the better you know your body, the higher your chance of detecting if something is wrong.

In order to raise funds to help breast cancer patients, the Susan G. Komen Organization has several fundraising events a year. On Aug. 8, BMW is teaming up with the organization for the BMW Ultimate Drive.

Participants can test drive different BMW models free of charge, including the 3 Series Coupe, the sporty X3 SAV® and this signature vehicle, the dynamic X5 SAV.