President George W. Bush will meet Judi Firestone when he arrives in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday, March 10, 2004. Firestone, a breast cancer survivor, has been an active volunteer with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Cleveland for the past 11 years.

Earlier this year, the USA Freedom Corps – President Bush’s initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation – celebrated its second anniversary. Since January 2002, President Bush has met with more than 250 individuals around the country, like Firestone, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Looking for a way to help women understand the risks of breast cancer, Firestone began volunteering with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1993. She joined a team of volunteers to organize the foundation’s inaugural “Race for the Cure” event in Cleveland, where individuals and families participated in a 5K run or fitness walk to help raise awareness about breast cancer and fund breast cancer screening and treatment projects. Firestone is currently serving as chair of the 2004 Northeast Ohio “Race for the Cure” event being held October 9 in Cleveland. In this capacity, she is responsible for recruiting race participants, encouraging corporate sponsorship and managing all aspects of the race. For the past four years, Firestone has also served as president of the board of directors for the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she implements an online database for members and assists with strategic planning and policies.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster an American culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world. Interested volunteers can find information on the USA Freedom Corps at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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