Linda White-Epps Honored for Breast Cancer Advocacy
LINDA WHITE-EPPS HONORED FOR BREAST CANCER ADVOCACY
Senate Committee Approves Bill To Rename Hamden Post Office After Her
Senator Joe Lieberman Wednesday announced that legislation to designate the Whitneyville Branch Post Office in Hamden the "Linda White-Epps Post Office" was heading for a vote on the Senate floor after having been approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Senator Lieberman serves as Ranking Member of the Committee.
The bill, which was introduced by U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. and co-sponsored by the entire Connecticut House delegation, passed the House on May 16th.
"From her diagnosis to her passing, Linda was a profile in courage for women everywhere, but especially African-American women in Hamden," Lieberman said. "Naming this post office after her would be a fitting memorial for this small town that lost such a giant presence."
"Linda made an enormous contribution to the Hamden community," said DeLauro. "She was an extraordinary and courageous woman who dedicated her life to raising awareness about breast cancer among African-American women. I am delighted this legislation is moving through the Senate and hope it will soon become law."
Until her death in October 2003, White-Epps worked tirelessly to raise awareness of breast cancer, particularly among African-American women, and created Sisters' Journey, a non-profit organization that provides education, support and comfort to women with breast cancer and their friends and families. She also helped raise money for the American Cancer Society through the "Relay for Life" and the annual sale of calendars featuring breast cancer survivors. Well known among the Hamden community, White-Epps' work and words gave comfort to many women and their families.
During Wednesday's Committee meeting, Committee members also approved a bill, which Lieberman co-sponsored, to extend the "Breast Cancer" postage stamp for two years. Since it was first issued in 1998, the stamp has raised more than $42 million for breast cancer research.
http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/June/white_epps_06_22_05.html