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Capitol dome to be lit pink to honor breast cancer patients

Parson commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with proclamation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — On Thursday night, for the first time in Missouri history, the Capitol Dome will be lit pink in honor of those with breast cancer.

Gov. Mike Parson chose this time as it will glow for the beginning of National Mammography Day, which is held the third Friday of every October. He also presented a Proclamation to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network this morning highlighting and commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

During the ceremony, speakers raised awareness, talked about the importance of increasing breast cancer education, and promoted the significance of maintaining regular cancer screenings.

“Every year, this disease takes many of our loved ones away from us and often far too early. With tomorrow being National Mammography Day, it is time we encourage and support those in our lives to get regular cancer screenings. It is never too late,” said Parson. “The lighting of the dome is a beacon to those who are in the fight that Missouri is here to help. We honor and support our survivors, those battling the disease, and our medical professionals and researchers who are working to find a cure. We can save lives together.”

Emily Kalmer, Missouri Government Relations Director at American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Dr. Katherine Weilbaecher, Co-leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis; and Terri Reimer, a breast cancer survivor from St. Charles, Missouri, spoke during the ceremony and thanked Parson for his efforts in putting a spotlight on the disease.

“More than 5,000 Missourians will get the news this year that they have breast cancer,” said Kalmer. “Many more are going through treatment, waiting anxiously to see if their disease will recur or mourning the loss of a loved one. We appreciate the governor’s efforts to call attention to this devastating disease and the importance of early diagnosis in increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.”

Along with the speakers, state department directors from Health and Senior Services, Mental Health, and Social Services were in attendance and made available to answer any questions.

“The lighting of the Capitol dome pink to raise awareness about breast cancer is something all Missourians can be grateful for and proud to support,” said Dr. Randall Williams, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director. “As a practicing OB-GYN for over 30 years, I understand the importance of women’s health and cancer screenings. And in conversations with Governor Parson, I appreciate his understanding and emphasis on prevention of diseases like breast cancer.”

The lighting of the Capitol dome in pink will last from sunset Thursday evening until sunrise Friday morning.