National Hispanic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Makes History in the Latino Community Across America

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Breast Cancer Foundation in partnership with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, also known as the Hispanic Evangelical Association, the nation's largest Christian Hispanic organization, held the first-ever National Hispanic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (NHBCAD) through churches across America on Sunday, October 7, 2012.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation serves as the Senior Partner of the NHCLC's Healthy Families Directive — partnering to save women's lives by providing resources for the Hispanic Community (http://es.beyondtheshock.com/), not only for women but also for the husbands, children, and the Church, which is a critical element.

"As a cancer survivor, I know the importance of current information, treatment options, as well as the need for emotional and spiritual support for the patients and their families. Partnerships such as this become tactical delivery systems; bringing awareness, compassion and encouragement directly from the pulpit to the pew," said Leticia L. Reyes, B.S., MACE and EdD Candidate, Dallas Baptist University.

Eva Rodriguez, Pastor of Cantico Nuevo Centro Cristiano de Adoracion in Sacramento, Calif. And NHCLC board member, said, "Our constituency no longer has to worry about being under-resourced or under-educated in regards to breast cancer's cause, effects, treatments, and preventative measures. Through our partnership with NBCF and their creation of Beyond The Shock, we will see millions of lives saved and future lives positively altered because of their commitment to resource our families."

The National Breast Cancer Foundation has become a stabilizing force in the lives of hundreds of thousands of women who have reached a crossroad in their lives from their encounter with breast cancer.  Through its National Mammography Program, NBCF addresses the growing concern of over 50 million uninsured people in America by providing free mammograms and diagnostic services in all 50 states through its hospital partners. 

"The NHBCAD taught our church that breast cancer not only affects women, but the whole family. However we are not left alone, there are resources like Beyond The Shock which provides a community of those fighting together against the adverse effects of breast cancer!" said Rev. Flor Roman.

"Early detection saves lives, but language and cultural differences, fear of the medical system, and a lack of insurance prevent Hispanic women from being diagnosed and treated early," says NBCF Founder & CEO, Janelle Hail.  "Through our partnership with NHCLC we can give hope to millions of Hispanic women across the country by providing free early detection services for the uninsured and breast cancer resources in the Spanish language."   

Charity Navigator, America's premier charity evaluator, has awarded the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF) its highest 4-star rating for eight consecutive years.  The rating is based on NBCF's ability to responsibly manage its finances and operations. For more information regarding the National Breast Cancer Foundation go to www.nbcf.org.

ABOUT THE NHCLC
The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference is the Hispanic Evangelical Association, the nation's largest Christian Hispanic organization, unifying, serving and representing millions in the Hispanic Born Again Community via 40,118 member churches by reconciling the vertical and horizontal of the Christian message through the seven Directives of Life, Family, Great Commission, Stewardship, Justice, Education and Youth. 

About the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.(R)   
Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, the National Breast Cancer Foundation's (NBCF) mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need.  A recipient of Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating for eight years, NBCF provides women help for today and hope for tomorrow through its National Mammography Program, Beyond The Shock®, Early Detection Plan, MyNBCF online support community, and breast cancer research programs. For more information, please visit www.nbcf.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference