Innovative podcast program highlights the
'Voices of Breast Cancer'

Toronto, ON, May 3, 2007 - What is it like to tell co-workers you have breast cancer? How do you deal with a recurrence? How does the disease affect the women who have it, their families and co-workers? A new podcast series gives an intimate look at the lives of those affected by the disease in their own words and voices.

Available on Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada's website (www.willow.org) starting May 3, a different podcast will be posted every six weeks, each providing a unique perspective on what it means to be touched by the disease. The series will include a wide range of perspectives including survivors, Willow support volunteers and staff, doctors, and family members of those living with breast cancer.

"Following a breast cancer diagnosis, the individual, as well as her family and loved ones are looking for different kinds of support options to cope with this life-changing experience," explains S. Elaine Brown, Executive Director, Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada. "This podcast series will offer the unique opportunity to listen to a wide range of stories within the breast cancer community. The diversity of the voices featured will offer insight into many aspects of the journey, share how others have dealt with the disease, as well as coping mechanisms and the latest information."

The first podcast, available today, will feature the story of Anne Dello, a breast cancer survivor who discusses the challenges she faced when she was first diagnosed. "And I said 'Am I going to die?' She (the doctor) sat there and said, 'well I don't know'," Anne recalls in the opening of the podcast.

To access the rest of Anne's story and others, visit www.willow.org. The podcasts are available as an MP3 file that can be heard on any MP3 player, Ipod or computer with Windows Media Player.

The series was developed with GCI Group, working with Willow on a pro bono basis. "We believe it's the only resource of its kind, and speaks to the unique nature of what Willow offers to its clients and to others touched by breast cancer," notes Marion MacKenzie, President and General Manager, GCI Group Canada. "It's an honour and a pleasure to be involved in this endeavor and to help make this valuable resource available."

"We would like to thank the generosity of GCI Group, whose partnership with Willow has made this project possible," continued Brown. "With their in-kind donation of technical and communications services, we have been given the opportunity to provide a voice to the many lives breast cancer affects. We hope their stories serve as a source of inspiration and strength to anyone who has been personally affected by the disease."

 

About Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada:
Willow is best in class among breast cancer education and support organizations providing all Canadians affected by the disease with timely and relevant information, education and unique peer support. This helps empower them to make better decisions, support their loved ones more effectively and navigate the complex health care system with greater confidence. A national program, Willow is accessible via a toll-free line and delivers valuable psychosocial support that is complementary to the care breast cancer patients receive from their medical team.
For more information on Willow and its services visit www.willow.org or call 1.888.778.3100

About GCI Group:
GCI Group is a global leader in the public relations industry with deep expertise in the areas of consumer, healthcare, technology and corporate communications. GCI Group services a broad client base, combining the aggressiveness and agility of a speciality boutique with the depth and breadth of a dynamic multinational agency.

At GCI Group, we have always been committed to building a team of talented people who are challenged to achieve and exceed their career goals while working in an environment that fosters innovation and excellence. For more information visit www.gcicanada.com.

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For Media Inquiries Contact:
Alison Burke - Manager, Marketing & Communications
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
W: 416.778.6314 x235
C: 647.402.4122
aburke@willow.org