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"Thousands of women lose their battle with breast cancer every year,
some because they were not aware of the importance of early
detection," Blagojevich said. "Ticket for the Cure raises awareness
of breast cancer, not only through the game ticket itself, but also
through the money raised by sales that fund education efforts."
Last year, Blagojevich signed the law initiated by state Senate
President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Mattie Hunter,
D-Chicago, to create the Ticket for the Cure. The ticket marks the
first time in U.S. lottery history that 100 percent of the proceeds
will support programs and research initiatives to help diagnose and
treat breast cancer.
Institutions and organizations based in Illinois with a
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply for and
receive funds. Net revenue from the sale of Ticket for the Cure will
fund grants for research, education and supportive services. A
separate application for Ticket for the Cure grants to fund breast
cancer research will be available later this month.
"We encourage applicants to think creatively about how to raise
awareness about the risks of breast cancer, how to increase the
number of women receiving mammograms, how we can boost options
available to manage breast cancer and to better educate people about
the services available for women with breast cancer," said Dr. Eric
E. Whitaker, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Net revenue from the sale of Ticket for the Cure is deposited
into the interest-bearing Ticket for the Cure Fund in the state
treasury. The Illinois General Assembly will appropriate this money
solely to the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will award
grants to public and private entities in Illinois. A special
advisory board will review and approve all grants funded by Ticket
for the Cure revenue.
"The response to the Ticket for the Cure has been phenomenal,"
said Illinois Lottery Superintendent Carolyn Adams. "We're all very
excited to see the great sales we're experiencing translate into
real outcomes for the fight against breast cancer."
Ticket for the Cure Community Grant applicants may apply for one
of three program levels.
Level 1: $10,000-$29,999
Services -- Education and awareness, community outreach, or
supportive services
Examples:
-
Educational workshops
focusing on breast cancer
-
Peer outreach
programs to inform people about the risk of breast cancer,
treatment options and follow-up services
-
Supportive services
such as transportation and child care services for breast cancer
patients with a demonstrated economic need
-
Support groups
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 Level 2: $30,000-$74,999
Services -- Education and awareness, community outreach,
supportive services, or social marketing campaign
Examples:
-
A series of
educational workshops or a specialized conference focusing on
breast cancer
-
Supportive services
such as transportation, child care, limited housing or medical
assistance for breast cancer patients with a demonstrated need;
providing prosthesis or wigs; and providing assistance through
support groups
-
A professional social
marketing campaign that includes media research on target groups
(such as specific minority groups) and customized advertising
designed to reach that target group
Level 3: $75,000-$150,000
Services -- Education and awareness, community outreach,
supportive services, social marketing campaign, or screenings
Examples:
-
A combination of
education and awareness, community outreach, and community
support activities targeting breast cancer patients with a
demonstrated economic need
-
A social marketing
campaign focusing on breast cancer; must use a major media
market and incorporate such media tools as paid advertising,
billboards, radio, television and direct mail
-
Screening services
"Ticket for the Cure has made it possible for Illinois community
organizations to receive grants that will increase awareness about
the risks of breast cancer and knowledge of options available to
manage breast cancer," said Leonard Thomas, chair of the Ticket for
the Cure board. "As a breast cancer husband, I know first-hand how
peer support and knowledge of this disease and its treatment options
empowers the survivor and family."
The Ticket for the Cure board, in conjunction with the Department
of Public Health, will set parameters for the number and size of
grants awarded, based upon the amount of money generated each year
through the sale of tickets. The board and the Department of Public
Health anticipate awarding the first community grants in the spring
of 2007.
Community grant applications are available by calling the Office
of Women's Health at 217-524-6088. Applications will be due by 5
p.m. Dec. 11 at the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of
Women's Health, 535 W. Jefferson St., 1st Floor, Springfield, IL
62761.
For more information on the Ticket for the Cure, visit
www.illinoislottery.com.
Women can find out how to get breast and cervical cancer
screenings and treatment through the Illinois Breast and Cervical
Cancer Program by visiting
www.cancerscreeening.illinois.gov. For more information on
women's health and programs, visit
www.idph.state.il.us or call the Women's Health-Line at
888-522-1282; for hearing-impaired use only, call TTY 800-547-0466.
[News release from the governor's
office] |
