Fort Wayne & NE Indiana News

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Breast Cancer License Plate Making a Difference

Record sales continue for the Indiana breast cancer license plate. More than 19,000 plates were sold in 2012. Steady sales indicate plate sales should top 20,000 for 2013. In 2012, the plate helped detect more cancers than ever before, giving a better chance at recovery for dozens of Hoosier women and peace of mind to thousands more.

The $25 tax-deductible donation for each plate is pooled by the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust (IBCAT) and awarded as grants to help provide free mammography programs for underserved women and men throughout Indiana.

“Because increased Hoosiers are purchasing the breast cancer plates, IBCAT can fund more programs and services that help save Hoosier lives,” said Sheila Hauck, IBCAT President and Director of Oncology Services at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville, IN.

IBCAT awarded nearly $400,000 in grants <http://www.breastcancerplate.org/programsgrants/2013-programs/&gt; statewide for 2013, up $58,000 from the previous year. Grants awarded this year will fund more than 2,500 screening mammograms and diagnostic services at hospitals, clinics and providers in nearly every county in Indiana.

“The breast cancer plate is doing its job,” said Beth Knapp, IBCAT Executive Director. “It’s raising awareness about breast cancer and detecting cancer for women who could otherwise not afford these important breast health services.”

Consistently a top ten selling specialty plate at the BMV, IBCAT has awarded more than $2 million in grants from plate sales since its inception in 2002.