In 2008, over 675,000 American women will learn that they have cancer - including 178,480 or 26 percent of that total will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The good news is that 66 percent of all cancer patients are currently being cured through early diagnosis and treatment.

Part of the reason for the improved survival rates is that many patients undergo 'adjuvant therapy' - chemotherapy or radiation treatments even when there is no sign that cancer has spread. While this treatment means more survivors, it also means that more patients must cope with the side effects of treatment, such as hair loss.

Thanks to a team of employees from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the American Cancer Society received a generous donation of wigs that will be given to breast cancer patients statewide through the Society's Wig Banks; and gas cards for volunteer drivers who use their own personal vehicles to drive cancer patients to and from their treatment appointments as part of the Society's "Road to Recovery" program. �

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a corporate sponsor for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, held annually in October. �Proceeds from the walk help fund the Society's breast cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services programs. �Anthem and its employees, as part of their "Anthem Healthy Communities" campaign, raised over $18,000 for the Making Strides walk. The company encouraged its employees to raise as much money as possible by offering an additional $1,500 corporate donation to the American Cancer Society that was awarded to the top fund-raising team. These additional funds were used to purchase the wigs and gas cards to help Maine cancer patients.

Two volunteers from the Society's "Look Good, Feel Better" program took part in a presentation program at Anthem recently. Allison Herrington, a certified esthetician at the ESSE Studio and Day Spa in York, said, "When we have a good hair day, it makes our day special. Being able to look your best makes a world of difference to someone going through treatment for cancer. It's like a makeover for the spirit—and that's a beautiful thing." �Stephanie Croteau, a volunteer at the society's Cancer Resource Center at St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, says, "Hair is a frame that creates a beautiful picture. These wigs will help women in need throughout Maine."

In addition to the wigs, a portion of the money was also used to purchase gas cards for volunteer drivers who use their own personal vehicles to drive cancer patients to and from their treatment appointments. �Cancer patients are often too sick to drive themselves and many don't have friends or family members who can drive them each time. Such treatments may take place as often as five times a week for six weeks. Elderly cancer patients are especially in need of rides to treatment.

When asked why she is so involved in Anthem's fund-raising efforts for cancer patients, team captain Jenny Hagan says, "I have lost family members and friends to cancer. It is because of their courage and strength that I know I can and must give of myself to help others." Hagan is especially grateful to Anthem for allowing her and fellow employees to participate in events that give back to the community. �"I come to work knowing that my company supports my efforts and also helps contribute through their corporate giving program."

The American Cancer Society is now recruiting volunteers statewide to ensure that all cancer patients have transportation to treatment appointments when they need it. �If you have a car and some spare time, you can help someone in your community. �Whether you are available once a month or once a week, you can be a Road to Recovery volunteer. �For more information about the program, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www. cancer.org .

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services. �Call 1-800-ACS-2345, 24 hours a day, any day of the year for cancer information, connections to local resources, or simply to talk with a caring person when you or a family member needs strength and encouragement.