Free Comprehensive Breast Cancer Resource Guide is Now Available to the General Public

"Guide is a First of Its Kind for San Diego County"

(SAN DIEGO, CA) February 22, 2001 - The Sandra Brue Fund of the San Diego Foundation announced today that a comprehensive resource publication, known as the Breast Cancer Guide, is now available to the general public, at no cost, exclusively in San Diego County.

A "kick-off 'breakfast program and press conference will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2001 at the San Diego Paradise Point Resort to honor and thank the professionals who contributed to the Guide. A question and answer session will also take place for the media in attendance.

The Breast Cancer Guide, the first of its kind in San Diego County, is intended to reach the hands of newly diagnosed women and their loved ones to help all parties involved in gaining the knowledge, confidence and peace of mind to make decisions related to each specific condition. The more than one-hundred-page Guide will be available at all Target Stores in San Diego County beginning March 7, for a limited time. Local doctors' offices, hospitals, and retail and department stores are also making the Breast Cancer Guide available to the public on a long-term basis.

The Guide contains a wealth of information including: creating a buddy network support team, the best ways to manage the disease including treatment options, tips on navigating the healthcare system, complementary therapies, and dealing with the workplace. Also included is an extensive resource list directing the reader to support groups, medical libraries, Internet connections, breast reconstruction contacts, insurance and legal services, local assistance agencies, hospice and home health care, and local events related to breast cancer.

The publication is a result of the Sandra Brue Fund of the San Diego Foundation through the tireless efforts of Sandra Brue. A local entrepreneur and president of Sandicast, Inc., a multi-million dollar manufacturing operation of animal sculptures, Brue was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. During her ordeal, Brue found it difficult to find help and information overall regarding breast cancer. It was then that she saw a real need for a better way of educating and assisting women with breast cancer, and made a determination to begin compiling information for a resource guide that would be made available on a complimentary basis.

As a result, an impressive Board of Advisors was called upon to ensure that the facts presented in the Guide were concise and comprehensive. Also, information was gathered from local women with breast cancer to discuss what they wanted to see in the Guide, and a focus group was conducted to further research what the publication would contain. Staff members of Scripps Hospital La Jolla, UCSD and Sharp Hospital also provided professional information, as well as several other organizations such as the American Cancer Society and The National Cancer Institute, just to name a few.

"I can't express how thrilled I am to be able to make this wonderful resource available to the women of San Diego County who are going through a very traumatic time in their lives, said Sandra Brue. "It is my wish that it reach all newly diagnosed women, no matter their race, creed or household income."

In her dedication to ensure that every woman who needs it obtains the publication, Brue came up with an idea that would keep The Sandra Brue Fund well-established. "Buddy" the puppy, an exclusive Sandicast cast stone sculpture (complete with pink ribbon symbolizing breast cancer awareness) sculpted by Brue herself, will be unveiled at the March 7 kick-off breakfast event.

Brue believes that "Buddy" will serve as a wonderful "thinking of you gift" to help lift the spirits of a loved one with breast cancer. In the future, Buddy will be available for purchase with all profits going to the Sandra Brue Fund of The San Diego Foundation to fund more free Guides. Also of special interest, illustrator Mary Grandpré, internationally known for the Harry Potter book illustrations, generously contributed the soothing, yet eye-catching, cover of the Guide. Her inspiring donation comes as a result of her own sister's fight with breast cancer.

To arrange a personal interview with Sandra Brue, call Lorraine Scanlon at (858) 695-9611 or Jo Ann Bruning at (619) 282-5556.