Contact:
Joanne Mattera
Arizona Institute for Breast Health
480-860-4200
info@aibh.org

Christine Lessard helps organization expand to serve more patients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scottsdale, Ariz. - March 21, 2005 - The Arizona Institute for Breast Health (the Institute) announces the promotion of its patient advocate Christine Lessard to a newly formed position of executive director. Lessard, a nine-year breast cancer survivor, has been working with the Institute since September 2004. The Institute offers those diagnosed with breast cancer the opportunity to receive a second opinion about their diagnosis and treatment at no charge. Lessard was drawn to the patient advocate position because her own experience with breast cancer gave her a passion for helping newly diagnosed women navigate their way through available treatment options, with gentle and loving guidance. As patient advocate, Lessard's goal has been to empower a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient with information and support so that they will be able to become their own self-advocate.

In her new role with the Institute, Lessard will additionally be in charge of developing the organization's strategic plan, overseeing a second patient advocate, and assisting the executive board on plans to expand to a second metropolitan Phoenix office. She will also help coordinate fund-raising events and will serve as a spokesperson for the Institute.

"This new position is the first step in a series of events aimed at growing the Institute's presence throughout the Valley," said Mary Purkiss, executive board president. "Christine's personal and professional experience with breast cancer continues to help her provide a compassionate and informed voice to our patients."

Lessard has been featured in Yes Magazine and The Arizona Republic for her contributions as a volunteer and a leader in breast cancer organizations in Arizona. She is a board member for Banner of Hope, Inc., a non-profit breast cancer organization, and a board member for HEAL, a non-profit organization that provides services to women who are in the process of undergoing cancer treatment. She is a recipient of the Macy's Heart and Soul Award and the Banner Health Recognition of Excellence Award for her fund-raising efforts to underserved women in the greater Phoenix area.

With her husband Richard, she owns and operates SmartSchools Alliance, an educational software company providing web-based solutions to schools nationwide. Lessard lives in Scottsdale with her husband and one daughter.

Lessard will be working out of the Institute's offices at 8994 East Desert Cove Road in Scottsdale.

About the Arizona Institute for Breast Health
The Arizona Institute for Breast Health, a local 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, provides free second opinions and treatment options to anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A multidisciplinary team of physicians and medical professionals volunteer their time to give patients the most comprehensive and individually tailored range of options for treating breast cancer. Founded by medical professionals, the Institute also presents seminars that address current breast health information and breast cancer prevention and treatment options.

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