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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma, has planned several events for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs through October. Events include a camp for breast cancer survivors and continued support group meetings.

The second annual Breast Cancer Survivor Camp, 'Celebration of Life', is scheduled for Saturday, October 6, at the Fin and Feather Resort located on Lake Tenkiller. The Y-Me Organization of Northeastern Oklahoma is sponsoring the camp for the second straight year.

"This is an opportunity for survivors of breast cancer to come out and celebrate with day long activities which will include massage therapy, arts and crafts, support groups and a luncheon", said Julie Erb, Director of Cancer Grant Programs for the Cherokee Nation.

Fin and Feather Resort donated the use of their facility for this one-day camp.

The program also holds a support group for Native women with breast cancer every other Thursday evening at the Cherokee Nation Emergency Medical Services building located south of Tahlequah on Highway 62. Their next meeting is scheduled for October 18 at 7:00 p.m. The support group is made possible by the Y-Me Organization of Northeastern Oklahoma through a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

"Our program will be in its 8th year of funding beginning in October", said Erb. "This year we have received a significant increase in funding in order to add additional case management in clinics and to help pay for even more screening opportunities for women."

The program has also set up an information booth with flyers and pamphlets in the lobby of the Cherokee Nation Complex with more information on breast cancer.

For more information on the camp, screenings, or support groups, please contact the Cherokee Nation Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, phone: 918-458-4491.