For Immediate Release: October 31, 2006	Contact: Dr. Maryam Mostoufi 217/529-2594

Coalition of state and community-based organizations supports breast cancer patients

SPRINGFIELD – Officials from the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health have joined with the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association, Springfield Ministerial Alliance and St. John’s Hospital to launch La Cunã, an innovative shawl project that seeks to provide comfort to women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

The goal of La Cunã is to enlist the support of those who enjoy knitting, crocheting or sewing to create 1,000 shawls that can be given to patients being treated for breast cancer.  Women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for breast cancer often experience chills, and the warm shawls are a way to help keep them comfortable.

“La Cunã comes from the Latin word meaning cocoon. This project is about more than knitting shawls; it is about embracing women of all backgrounds during their breast cancer journey by wrapping them in shawls created out of loving concern,” said Dr. Maryam Mostoufi, who is facilitating the project on behalf of the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association.

Assistance is available for those interested in making shawls, but who may have trouble affording the materials needed to create the shawls. Money collected from the recent Real Men Wear Pink campaign and a Lincoln Land Community College women’s volleyball game will help support the purchase of materials for La Cunã.

Those who do not have the time or know-how to make the shawls may contribute yarn at a number of drop-off locations or assist with monetary contributions. Checks should be made out to Friends of St. Johns and noted they are for the La Cunã project.

For more information or to volunteer, call Maryam Mostoufi at 529-2594.