Community Commitment

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

First Commonwealth for Women (FCfW*) is pleased to announce that First Commonwealth will be recognizing the 25th Annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a variety of ways throughout the month of October. 

Thinking 'Pink' in 2009

We kicked off our year-long commitment of 'All Things Pink' starting in December of 2008 with a special 'Light Up Night' event as our two (2) First Commonwealth 'Sparkling in Pink' Ribbon Trees were illuminated in front of the Old Courthouse Headquarters Building in Downtown Indiana.

The pink trees were symbolic of the continuing commitment of both First Commonwealth for Women and our company in supporting breast cancer education and awareness.

With females representing 73% of First Commonwealth's workforce, there is a likelihood that breast cancer will affect our co-workers or touch our own lives . . . or our wives, daughters, sisters, mothers and friends. That is why FCfW has made the commitment to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month at First Commonwealth.

FCfW's October Events

As part of our commitment to "Think Pink" in 2009, First Commonwealth for Women is planning activities and events throughout the month of October in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Some of this month's special events include:

• Designating October 21 as “Pink Day" when all employees are invited to show their support by wearing a special FC pink ribbon, along with the pink apparel of their choice;

• Making a corporate donation to Susan G. Koman for the Cure Foundation;

Why is Breast Cancer Awareness so Important?

According to a report issued by the American Cancer Society, breast cancer death rates in the United States continue to decline by more than 2% per year. Many feel this decline is, in part, due to increased awareness about early detection. That said, it is expected that about 12% of women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Each year in the United States, an estimated 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. (And, although breast cancer in men is rare, about 2,000 American men are diagnosed with the disease each year.) The encouraging news is that there are currently more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors throughout the U.S.**

What You Can Do

We encourage you to take proactive steps to learn more about breast cancer and breast cancer prevention and to discuss your personal health with your doctor. Tell your family and friends, too . . . your support may make a difference in their lives!

*The mission of First Commonwealth for Women is to be a guiding coalition for the company by creating a supportive and rewarding work environment for First Commonwealths nearly 1,300 female employees. External goals include guiding the corporation on social responsibilities, assuring that corporate giving is in alignment with company strategies and is supportive of women and understanding, educating, and being advocates for the women of First Commonwealths client base, women-owned businesses and women in the communities that First Commonwealth serves.

**-Source: Highmark

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