FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2008

Tazewell County Health Department To Host
FREE Cancer Awareness Event with National Speaker

(Pekin) The Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD) will host its First Annual Women’s Health Event on Thursday, April 3rd in Pekin. Emceed by Oscar-winning broadcast journalist, Colleen Callahan, “A Celebration of You” is an evening focused on motivating women to take care of their health through regular cervical and breast cancer screenings. Becky Olson, president and co-founder of Breast Friends®, will be the keynote speaker, sharing her inspirational story of how she beat the odds – not once, but twice – and became a survivor of breast cancer.

“Women tend to be so busy taking care of everyone else in their lives that they often neglect their own healthcare,” Sara Sparkman, Community Relations Manager at TCHD, said. “This evening is intended to encourage women to bring their mothers, sisters, daughters and friends together to learn how to take better control of their health. It’s not only designed to be a fun evening for women, but it’s also intended to make them more aware of their risk for cervical or breast cancer, osteoporosis and other diseases… this knowledge may help save their lives.”

Free Admission, Screenings, Information, Food & Prizes

Scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pekin Moose Lodge (2605 Broadway), “A Celebration of You” includes FREE admission to screenings and health information, food and prizes, along with Olson’s presentation, “Welcome to the 5H Club.” Although admission is free, seating is limited, so women are encouraged to arrive early and take advantage of the booths with information sponsored by area healthcare and wellness organizations.

“Laugh Your Way to a Healthier You!” with Guest Speaker Becky Olson

Olson has been a Keynote Speaker for numerous Susan G. Komen events and is recognized for leaving her audiences laughing and filled with hope. “Every day we have opportunities to experience many things,” Olson said. “Some will be pleasant and some will be frustrating, but every day there is something to laugh about as well.”

Her presentation, “Welcome to the 5H Club: Hair, Humor, Health, Happiness and Hope” is a humorous look at surviving breast cancer. Full of stories and ideas to help women in all walks of life, “Welcome to the 5H Club” will bring hope and encouragement to all those who may be living through difficult circumstances. As an added bonus, Becky will be signing copies of her book - "The Hat That Saved My Life" - which will be available at the event for 25% off the cover price!

Featuring Master of Ceremonies, Colleen Callahan

Local audiences are sure to recognize Callahan, the evening’s emcee. Currently the owner of a communications company, Callahan worked at WMBD Radio for 30 years before utilizing her communication skills in her own business as a public and motivational speaker (Colleen Callahan Communications).

This program is made possible through Ticket for the Cure funds, which are administered through the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health. In addition to educating women about the importance of healthcare, this event will serve as a fundraiser for the “No Excuses” fund, which helps women who aren’t eligible for aid through other healthcare programs to get the treatment they need, when they need it. For more information, please contact the Tazewell County Health Department at 925-5511.

For additional information or an interview, please contact:
Sara Sparkman – TCHD – at (309) 925-5511.
Current information, along with photos and a sponsor list, can be downloaded at:
http://www.mcdanielsmarketing.com/primages/tchd.html