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House Painted Pink To Kick Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado volunteers in connection with Yoplait painted a Denver breast cancer advocate's home bright pink on Wednesday to remind people the fight against breast cancer starts right next door.

The painting of Joanie Lucas' home kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event was also held to encourage people to register for this weekend's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

"Denver resident, Joanie Lucas, is the type of tireless breast cancer awareness advocate that comes along but once in a while," Erin Healy with Yoplait said in a prepared statement.

It's estimated that almost 3,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Colorado in 2011.

"Joanie's life was significantly impacted by breast cancer as she watched four of her closest friends battle the disease, ultimately losing. This inspired her to take action," Healy said.

Joanie Lucas Facts:

-- Lucas has dedicated 19 years of her life to serving Komen Denver in various capacities, from board of directors to Komen Race for the Cure committees.

-- In 1998, Lucas joined forces with several other women to bring the first-ever Komen Race for the Cure to Denver, which saw 3,167 participants and awarded $27,000 to fund local community grants.

-- Because of leaders like Lucas, the Denver Race for the Cure, which is taking place on Sunday, October 2, is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees.

-- The Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested more than $39 million back into the Denver community to fund breast cancer research, education and screening, thanks to the dedication of volunteers like Joanie

LINK: Susan G. Komen for the Cure

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