Community Corner: Cancer Survivors Want Pink California License Plates

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -  A campaign to create a pink breast cancer awareness California license plate is underway and seeking more supporters.  This was initiated by four women from Contra Costa County who call themselves the Survivor Sisters, each one having bravely fought against breast cancer.

The California Pink Plate Campaign was started by Heather Solari, Chere Rush, Deborah Bordeau and Heather McCullough.   They brought the idea to Assemblymember Joan Buchanan who then authored AB 49.

KCBS' Connie C. Kim talks to one of the Survivor Sisters, Heather McCullough:

The legislation had a major victory on May 29, 2013,  as AB 49 passed through the State Assembly on a unanimous vote.

Next, it'll go before the transportation committee on the Senate floor and if it passes, the governor will have to sign the bill for it to become a reality.

"Once it's official and the bill has been signed and the plate has been approved... DMV requires that we have 7,500 pre plate orders in order for them to actually manufacture the plates," McCullough described the process ahead.

So far, they have received more than 3,000 signatures to pre-order the plates.

Although there are quite a few fundraisers and events for breast cancer awareness from various nonprofits, the Survivor Sisters felt more was needed.

"We wanted something that was going to be recognized 365 days a year instead of some campaigns really that are only out there during Breast Cancer Awareness Month," McCullough spoke of the importance of having this license plate created for the cause.

"Our ultimate hope is just that millions of people throughout California are able to see this plate and just make them stop and think, 'Did I get my mammogram today or am I doing my self examinations.'  It's just putting it in people's minds throughout the year to let people know early detection does saves lives."

To join the cause, go to PinkPlate.org.

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