The Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Fund (CBBCF), a component fund of the Piedmont Community Foundation, recently disbursed $41,500 to five non-profit organizations in Fauquier, Loudoun and Washington D.C.

These funds will be used for early detection and education programs; the purchase of a digital mammography system; support and outreach to individuals and families facing breast cancer; and the advancement of scientific research.

The grant recipients include:

· Loudoun Community Health Center, Leesburg: $1500 to assist women unable to pay the fees charged by breast cancer specialists.

· Breast Cancer Network of Strength-Mid Atlantic: $7500 for conducting breast health awareness workshops and creating peer led support groups in Loudoun and Fauquier counties as well as training volunteers to become workshop presenters.

· Fauquier Hospital, Warrenton: $20,000 toward the price of the Hospital's first digital mammography system. This grant follows a CBBCF grant of $30,000 in 2007. The Hospital is funding the remainder and has begun installation of the system. Digital mammography detects 28% more cancers than film-based mammography.

· Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer Center: $10,000 to continue a breast cancer research project which focuses on eradicating cancer cells circulating in the blood stream. This grant follows one last year of $11,000 which initiated the study.

· Blue Ridge Hospice: $2500 for terminal care of breast cancer patients.

"Given Middleburg's location at the Loudoun and Fauquier county lines, we wanted to help women in both communities," said Lizanne Driskill, Fund Advisor and daughter of breast cancer victim, Nanette White.

"Fauquier Hospital, for example, screens over 6,500 women a year, but could not afford the cost of a digital mammography system in 2008," she said. "Our total pledge will allow these dedicated people to expand their ability to catch the disease early."

Fund Advisor, Sandi Atkins, added, "The Loudoun and Fauquier communities have very generously entrusted us with their charitable dollars in order to make a difference in the lives of our mothers, daughters, wives, sisters and friends. We are committed to expending these funds wisely and expeditiously in order to save as many lives as soon as possible. We believe these five deserving and dedicated non-profit organisations will help us make an impact in the fight against breast cancer."

In 2008, the Fund conducted breast cancer awareness seminars; the second annual Nanette's Walk (For the Cure); a pre-walk kick-off barbeque; a bake sale; and Middleburg's first "Paint the Town Pink" program, a partnership with the Middleburg Town Council and the Business and Professional Association. These fund raising events will continue into 2009 culminating with the third annual Nanette's Walk and "Paint the Town Pink" campaign on the weekend of Sept. 26.

The Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Fund was formed in memory of the late Cheryl Clayton Atkins, a 2003 victim of breast cancer. The Fund was founded by her husband, James, and is led by breast cancer husbands, sons, daughters, survivors and friends. Its mission is to raise funds for screening and education, provide support and community outreach to individuals and families facing breast cancer, and to advance scientific research to eradicate the disease.

Donations may be mailed to the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Fund, P.O. 1051, Middleburg, 20118, or visit the secure website at www.cherryblossombreastcancerfund.org. For more information, please contact James Atkins at (703) 447 -2302.