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TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Twenty-nine breast cancer survivors, family members and supporters from across the Cherokee Nation gathered at Go Ye Village to celebrate life during the 4th Annual Breast Cancer Survivor Camp.

"Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women", said Youlanda Cain, LPN/Cancer Case Manger for the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center in Stilwell. "Early detection of breast cancer saves lives."

The annual camp was organized by the Cherokee Nation Cancer Programs and sponsored by the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization of Northeast Oklahoma, the American Indian Resource Center and Oklahoma Oncology Associates, Incorporated. Many local businesses also contributed with gift donations.

"This is my first year to attend this camp", said Ruby Wells, two-year breast cancer survivor and Cherokee Nation employee. “This camp helps survivors to heal emotionally, as well as gain the strength to walk away with a special bond that is developed with other survivors."

Survivors of breast cancer are also invited to be a part of the "Native American Sister Circle” support group that meets the third Thursday of every month at W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah.

"We welcome anyone to come be a part of our support group, not just Native Americans", Wells said. "We have different speakers every month and we also provide a 24-hour support to those who need support. Cancer does not discriminate and we hope to expand out into all of the communities."

In other efforts to raise awareness on breast cancer, the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center in Stilwell recently held a "Walk for the Cure."

"We raised $442 with 65 participants walking in the park", Cain said "The walk was in honor of breast cancer survivors and the money that was raised went to breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I hope the Walk helped to raise awareness in Adair County for the women here and help them to realize how much information is really out there for the public to obtain regarding breast cancer. Breast Cancer is quite curable if found early."

For more information on the Cherokee Nation Cancer Programs contact, phone: 918-458-4491. For information on "Native American Sister Circle" contact Idella Naktewa at W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital, phone: 918-458-3170 (ext.5129).

Related contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org