October will be the 22nd observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My wife Barbara is a 20-year survivor of breast cancer. Tomorrow she’ll receive an award from the Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness program. It’s designed to tap the visibility that congressional spouses have to help educate, motivate and advocate cancer awareness and early detection.

This year alone, 175,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Barbara is a lucky survivor, and she’s always working to get out the word about the importance of early detection and annual exams. Several years ago I was able to shepherd through Congress the law that allows lower-income uninsured women who would not otherwise be Medicaid-eligible to get treatment for breast cancer if they are diagnosed through a CDC screening.

This week, it’s wonderful to see Barbara receive this award for raising awareness and inspiring others. I look forward to continuing to work alongside her to spread the word and lend both public and private support to the grace, courage and fortitude of everybody fighting breast cancer. God Bless.