Breast Cancer Awareness 2010

by Raymond and Tuggy Dunton with Wings of Freedom Ministries

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As many of you know, Tuggy is a breast cancer survivor. We have appreciated the many of you who have walked and/or run in her honor to raise funds for breast cancer research. Thank you!

Within the next 12 months it is estimated that 207,090 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and of those new cases 40,000 will lose their battle with this indiscriminate disease. Over 70% of breast cancer cases occur in women with no known identifiable risk factors. At this time there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

A century ago, the occurrence of breast cancer in Native Americans was rare. However, the last two decades have seen substantial increases in both incidence and mortality rates. In Indian Country, breast cancer is now recognized as a leading cause of death among Native American women. The 5-year breast cancer relative survival rate for American Indian women is reportedly the lowest of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Lack of access to and use of early detection services is believed to be a major contributor to this poor breast cancer survival rate. Although Native Americans are eligible for free comprehensive health care through the Indian Health Services (IHS), only half choose or are able to use it. Many Native Americans find that no IHS facility is accessible to them. For example, no IHS facilities exist in California, which is the state with the second largest population of Native Americans, and IHS usually does not cover the cost of care provided outside its system.

Later this month I will be donating a foot! Actually what I mean is that 12 inches of my hair will be cut and donated to the American Cancer Society. It's been a desire of mine to partner with organizations such as Locks of Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, HairUWear, etc. that make wigs for the American Cancer Society who, in turn, provide them for cancer patients through the "Look Good...Feel Better" program. The "Look Good...Feel Better" program is a community-based, free, national service. It teaches female cancer patients beauty tips to look better and feel good about how they look during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I recall how this program made a significant difference for Tuggy!

Besides the haircut this month, there's quite a bit of local ministry activity going on! We need your prayers for the various one-on-one Discipleship-Counseling we do on a daily basis, as well as the Marriage Counseling we provide on a weekly basis for several couples. And please do not forget to pray for the various Board Meetings I will be attending this month (in two of which I take the Minutes).

Thank you so much for your faithful intercession and for your generous (and sometimes sacrificial) financial support of our Ministry. Your partnership is making a significant difference throughout Indian Country!

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all we have in the presence of our God because of you?" 1 Thessalonians 3:9 (NIV)

Serving together,

Raymond & Tuggy

PS: October is also National Clergy Appreciation Month - This is a great opportunity for you to express your gratitude to your Pastor(s)! "Appreciate your spiritual leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness." Hebrews 13:7 (MSG)