RALEIGH, N.C.—North Carolina State University Women’s Basketball Coach Kay Yow and Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker joined more than 30 breast cancer survivors Monday at Panera Bread at The Lassiter to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and celebrate those who have survived the disease.
“An optimistic outlook and continued support are keys for survival,” said Yow. “I strive to remind other women to remain positive throughout treatment and recovery.”
Serving as honorary chair of Panera’s month-long campaign, Coach Yow shared stories of her battle with the disease and Mayor Meeker presented a proclamation declaring October Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Raleigh.
Throughout October, 12 Panera Bread locations in the Triangle and Pinehurst will feature Pink Ribbon bagels. Twenty-five cents from the sale of each of these bagels will be donated to the Komen for the Cure Foundation N.C. Triangle Affiliate.
“I’m elated at the positive contributions so many in the area have given to this cause,” said Panera Bread Vice President of Operations, Casey Bastian. “I want women everywhere to know they can live a full life after breast cancer and that maintaining a positive attitude will aid them in their recovery.”
Sheri Logan, from Mix 101.5 FM emceed the kick-off event and announced the station’s partnership with Panera Bread for the “Think Pink Survivor Salute” contest. Area residents are asked to share uplifting stories of someone they know who is currently undergoing breast cancer treatment or is a survivor. At the end of the month, three winners will be awarded a gift package valued at $1,000. Prizes include gifts from: Crabtree Valley Mall; Douglas Carroll Spa; Komen for the Cure NC Triangle Affiliate; North Carolina Theatre; Petie Huffman and Margaret Neill, Independent Sales Directors from Mary Kay Cosmetics; Panera Bread; Residence Inn by Marriott-Cary;
About Panera Bread:
Panera Bread serves fresh baked, handcrafted artisan breads, sweet and savory baked goods, hand-tossed salads, wholesome soups, and signature sandwiches in a distinctly warm and welcoming environment. Panera Bread is committed to using only the highest quality, fresh ingredients in the food we offer, and making a lasting contribution to the neighborhoods in which our customers and employees live and work through programs like Operation Dough-Nation. Headquartered in Richmond Heights, MO, Panera Bread operates 1,105 bakery-cafes (459 company-owned and 646 franchised) as of August 24, 2007. For more information, visit www.panerabread.com.
