To: Sid Garcia, ABC 7 Eyewitness News Reporter

From: Amy Sauceda, Communications Director

Sent: November 7, 2012
Subject: Oprah Winfrey hosts Step 2 Cure Event for Breast Cancer
Dear Sid,
As you may know, breast cancer is one of the most common diseases amongst women as
about 40,000 women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2012. One out of every eight
women is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which marks the importance of
understanding this disease.
For the past five years members of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. have
hosted Step 2 Cure, a dynamic step competition organized to increase awareness about breast
cancer and raise funds for breast cancer advocacy. This years event will be better than the last as
Oprah Winfrey will co-host the event. This will be the first time Step 2 Cure is hosted by a
celebrity who will speak about her personal breast cancer scare and views on prevention.
This event will provide useful information about breast cancer and raise awareness of the
disease. I believe you will be interested in covering this story as you are a reporter who is
committed to the community and tend to take part in educational projects. ABC 7 Eyewitness
News can influence viewers by encouraging them to attend the show and raise awareness on
breast cancer. Your coverage on this event can reflect ABC 7 news dedication in informing
communities about beneficial events. I will contact you with more information about the event
later this week. I hope to see you and your news team at Step 2 Cure.
Sincerely,
Amy Sauceda
Director of Public Relations
Amy_csg@hotmail.com

Mary Peterson
Biography
Mary Peterson has over 24 years working in education and administration management.
She is currently the Executive Director of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. and
Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. where she directs Greek affairs. She was
former Director of the Office of Student Life at the University of Iowa.
Peterson integrates her administration management skills to assist students as she takes
part in organizations that give students support within the Greek system such as the Association
of Fraternity Advisors and Fraternity Executives Association. She conducts numerous sessions
and motivational seminars to universities, secondary and elementary schools, professional
associations and businesses. Her areas of expertise include management issues, strategic
planning, and leadership development.
She has a masters degree in Education with an emphasis in administration management
and student services from the University of Iowa. With her degree and perseverance Mary
Peterson has received numerous awards and honors including the Diversity Initiatives Award
from the Association of Fraternity Advisors, the Staff Excellence Award from the University of
Iowa, the Jack L. Anson Award, and was the first woman to receive the National Inter-fraternity
Conference Gold Medal Award.
As a student services specialist, Peterson has volunteered for the Bacchus and Gamma
Peer Education Network for many years where she works to provide academic and personal
success for students in college to address safety and campus health issues. She works with
students to build skilled student leaders and provide resources for schools to prevent the use of
drugs and alcohol.

From Iowa City, Iowa, Petersons presentations have taken her to travel from coast to
coast. Her informational presentations have gained popularity as she has been asked to return to
the same school for a repeat or follow up presentation. She is nationally recognized for her work
around the country with the Bacchus and Gamma Peer Education Network and both Sigma
Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. and Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. in
which she manages their national administration for Greek affairs.

Speech for Step 2 Cure

Good evening and welcome to the sixth annual Step 2 Cure, dance
competition. My name is Alice Anderson and I stand before you representing every
breast cancer survivor here today. It is my pleasure to have been selected by Sigma
Lambda Gamma to represent every person who has triumphed over this disease
and have fought the perilous fight. It warms my heart to know that this amazing
organization continues to tirelessly work to host this event every year to raise
awareness of breast cancer. I am delighted that we are joined today by the Susan G.
Komen Foundation, strong breast cancer advocates and our wonderful host Oprah
Winfrey, who is also my inspiration. I would like to thank the executive committee
for their extra hard work has paid off yet again, as we are all here today waiting to
see an amazing show.
-More-

Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases in the United States and is
expected to take 40,000 more lives this year. It is a disease in which malignant
cells form in the tissues of the breast. So, it is with great concern that I encourage
women to self examine their breast every month and schedule annual
mammograms. It is important to know how your breasts look and feel, thats right
ladies, feel them upyou should notice unusual changes. Men, do not think you
are safe from this disease as it can also affect you. Even though men dont have
breast like women, more than 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this
year. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue and that is why with early
detection and treatment doctors have increased survivor rates.
-More-

I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 36 years old. When I first
received the shocking news I couldnt help but think about my 6 year old son. It
was like if I had gotten hit by a bus and my whole life flashed before my eyes.
How could I an incredibly healthy women be experiencing such a thing. I wanted
to disregard everything the doctor was telling me and act like nothing had ever

happened. I went into a severe stage of denial and did not want to accept that I was
slowly but surely losing one of the greatest attributes of a woman, my breast. With
the support of my loved ones and help from my doctors I began to battle my
disease and go under treatment. At first I did not see any results but instead found
myself getting worse as my hair started to disappear with chemotherapy. I had no
aspiration towards life and wanted to give up until I finally saw the light. The
doctors and the facts about breast cancer were right.
-More-

My infected breast cells finally began to leave my body and I finally had
hope. With treatment and the wonderful support system I had I was able to
overcome the challenges of this malignant disease. I am grateful to be standing
here today sharing my story with you as I am a breast cancer survivor. May my
story give you hope and determination for those who or know someone who is
suffering from this disease. I encourage everyone to check their breast frequently
and be aware that anyone can suffer from breast cancer. Once again I would like to
thank all of you for being here today. I appreciate all the support and donations
from each and every one of you. It is important to be informed about breast cancer

and how it can be prevented. I hope my story will continue to be inspirational and
stay in your hearts. Please enjoy tonights show and continue to support the cause
for breast cancer. Thank You.
-End-