press release for Sept 19th benefit for Gilda's Club

Local Musicians Perform For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Proceeds Benefit Gilda's Club In Memory of Gilda Radner

For Immediate Release (September 2, 2008) – Recognized local musicians and activists Annie Benjamin, Lara Lenhoff and Tania Rivas are performing Friday, September 19, 2008 in memory of comedienne Gilda Radner for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The concert will take place at Opening Bell Coffee on Southside and Lamar in Dallas from 8 - 11 pm. Seven of the $10 cover charge directly benefits Gilda's Club North Texas.

"As women, we wanted to do something during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to remind other women to listen to their bodies and remember to take care of themselves," says singer/songwriter Benjamin, who's first album Life's Blessings was featured on NPR's Car Talk. After the release of Some Kind of Wonder, she was filmed for a spot on a new TV series "The Art of Living" that aired in Spring 2008. "Until there is a way to diagnose this life threatening disease, it is up to us to be our best health advocate remembering that early detection truly does save lives."

The mission of Gilda's Club is to create a welcoming community of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends.  The innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.  Located at 2710 Oak Lawn, Gilda's Club is the first Texas affiliate of the national program created in Radner's memory by husband Gene Wilder and her cancer psychotherapist Joanna Bull.  Radner lost her life to ovarian cancer in 1989 and to date there is still no accurate diagnostic tool for this disease often called the "silent killer."

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are nonspecific and mimic those of many other more common conditions including digestive and bladder disorders. The key seems to be persistent and/or worsening of the following: Abdominal pressure/bloating, urinary urgency, and pelvic discomfort/pain. Additional signs and symptoms that women with ovarian cancer may experience also include persistent indigestion, unexplained changes in bowel and bladder habits, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or gain, increased abdominal girth, pain during intercourse, persistent lack of energy, and low back pain.

For additional information on the artists, check out www.anniebenjamin.com, www.myspace.com/taniaion, and/or www.myspace.com/laraml. Additonal information on the venue may be found on the Web at www.openingbellcoffee.com or by calling 214-565-0383. Gilda's Club North Texas provides cancer support for the whole family, the whole time.  Contact Cindy Schneible , CEO, One Works of Grace Plaza , 2710 Oak Lawn, Dallas , TX 75219 , 214-219-8877.   For general information on Gilda's Club, visit www.gildasclubtx.com. To learn more on ovarian cancer log on to www.ovarian.org or call 1-888-OVARIAN.

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2008 
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we remember those whose lives have been affected by this deadly disease, and we underscore our commitment to battling ovarian cancer for the sake of women around the world.

Each year, thousands of American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Many will lose their lives to this disease. Because ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, it is vital for women to make regular visits to their doctors for screenings and to discuss risk factors and warning signs. Early detection is the best way to help doctors diagnose cancer before it has a chance to spread. It also makes treatment more effective and increases the chances for survival. I encourage all women to learn more about preventive measures and screening options that may help to save their lives.

America leads the world in medical research, and my Administration remains dedicated to the fight against ovarian cancer. I signed the "Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005," or "Johanna's Law," that helps to raise awareness among women and health care providers about female reproductive cancers. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are conducting important research to help make the innovative advances we need in order to eradicate this disease. NIH's Cancer Genome Atlas is also helping researchers gain a greater understanding of the genetic sources of cancer. Together, we will continue building on our progress until there is a cure for cancer.

As we observe National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we honor those who have fought this disease. We also recognize the compassionate caregivers, doctors, and researchers who are dedicated to preventing, detecting, and treating ovarian cancer.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2008 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, businesses, communities, health care professionals, educators, volunteers, and the people of the United States to continue our Nation's strong commitment to preventing and treating ovarian cancer.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH