"Father of Tamoxifen" V. Craig Jordan, PhD, DSc, to receive Potamkin Breast Cancer Research Grant and PBCC Pink Ribbon Award

(Ephrata, PA) The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition announces the Keystone Breast Cancer Conference set for Wednesday October 17 and Thursday October 18, 2001 at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. The two day event is the only statewide breast cancer conference in the Commonwealth and this year it includes the Pink Ribbon Awards Luncheon, the Shining Light Award Presentation, the Legacy of Love Reception, a Scientific Training Seminar, the Pink Ribbon Reception, Breast Cancer Education Workshops and, new, for 2001 the S.T.A.R. Volunteer Award Salute.

First Lady Michele M. Ridge, PBCC Honorary Chair and 1995 Pink Ribbon Award Recipient, states, "The Keystone Breast Cancer Conference provides education, outreach and services to help breast cancer patients become breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer is a disease that affects women of all ages and races, and while it often impedes the body we know that, with support and dedication, it can never defeat the spirit. This year's conference is another milestone in our fight to stop the tragedy of breast cancer for women and their families."

Pat Halpin-Murphy, PBCC President and Founder, said, "We applaud each of our award winners this year for their outstanding achievements in breast cancer research, education, outreach and advocacy. Each year's Keystone Breast Cancer Conference brings us closer to our ultimate goal of finding a cure now.so our daughters won't have to."

V. Craig Jordan, PhD, DSc, Diana, Princess of Wales Professor of Cancer Research, is a recipient of a PBCC Pink Ribbon Award as well as the Vivian and Meyer P. Potamkin Foundation Award for Breast Cancer Research. The Potamkin Foundation Award is presented each year to an individual who is performing outstanding work in the field of breast cancer research. It is part of a PBCC endowment from Vivian and Meyer P. Potamkin, Philadelphia philanthropists. Mrs. Potamkin is a breast cancer survivor and winner of the PBCC's 1996 Pink Ribbon Award.

Dr. Jordan is known as the "Father of Tamoxifen." He is speaking at the Opening Session, the Awards Luncheon, and is presenting Grand Rounds for Physicians. He is currently the Director of the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Research Program at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago.

The PBCC's second Pink Ribbon Award is presented to Madeleine Wing Adler, PhD. Dr. Adler, who resides in Chester County Pennsylvania, is the first woman president of West Chester University and is a breast cancer survivor. She became West Chester University's President in 1992 and is recognized for her courageous battle against breast cancer. Many women will be able to relate to her story of battling breast cancer while maintaining a demanding schedule in a high profile management position with a bold spirit and brave heart.

Helen Harshbarger, MS, CRNP, at Guthrie Health System in Sayre, Bradford County is receiving the Shining Light Award for outstanding grassroots leadership in Breast Cancer outreach and advocacy. Katherine Schweiker, wife of Lieutenant Governor Mark Schweiker, presents this award at the Opening Session.

Held Wednesday evening October 17 at the Whitaker Center, this year's Legacy of Love Reception includes motivational speaker, Lillie Shockney, RN who promises to entertain with her talk on humor and healing, and the premiere of the S.T.A.R. Volunteer Award being presented to Dennis Eubanks of Berks County. Reception attendees are also invited to view the PBCC's traveling photo exhibit "67 Women-67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania" which is on display throughout the two day event.

The PBCC, founded in 1993, is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the breast cancer epidemic through research, education, outreach and advocacy. As the only statewide grassroots organization that speaks to and for breast cancer survivors, the PBCC insured the passage of two crucial pieces of Commonwealth legislation: The Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Act, which allows taxpayers to donate all or part of their state income tax refunds to breast and cervical cancer research; and The Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery Act, which mandates insurance coverage for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and prohibits outpatient mastectomies.

The PBCC serves each of the Commonwealth's 67 counties through the Income Tax Check-Off, Mother's Day Mammograms®, the Keystone Breast Cancer Conference, Friends Like Me, and 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania. For more information about the PBCC visit our website at www.pabreastcancer.org or call 717/738-9567 or toll free 1-800-377-8828.