Cancer survivor and state Sen. Barbara Allen, R-Overland Park, successfully lobbied her Statehouse colleagues this spring on the need for a state license plate to support breast cancer research and awareness. The "Driven to Cure" plates, which will cost $50 annually on top of regular registration fees, can be had starting Jan. 1. But first, at least 500 people must sign up for the specialty plate, which features a sunflower wrapped in the cause’s signature pink ribbon. One compelling argument for the program was that it could help the University of Kansas Cancer Center gain National Cancer Institute designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. At least 25 other states have breast cancer plates. Kansas also offers specialty plates to support seven public universities and causes such as K-12 agricultural education and preventing child abuse. Stuck in traffic, it’s always nice to see other drivers wearing their hearts on their plates and, in the process, supporting worthy causes.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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23 Comments
Well, the way Ms. Holman put it at the end, this thread may open a whole new can of worms. I’m now just waiting for the big debate on the abortion licence plate to commence. However, for health reason, I think I’ll stay out of the fray. For now, at least …
Surely there are in Kansas:
500 Doctors and Nurses500 Professors and Teachers500 Pharmacists and EMT’s500 Engineers and Lawyers500 Pastors and Store Owners500 Families of Victims of Breast Cancer500 Plumbers and Fireman500 Police and Sales Clerks500 Retired Couples and Hotel Owners
All of who would support this cause and purchase the License Plate.
How about the multitude of runners participating in the annual Race for the Cure. There should be some who’re willing to contribute more.
How about prostate cancer: a hemorrhoid wrapped in a brown ribbon?
I think supporting breast cancer research is great. However, I am always concerned that many women do not realize that heart disease is still, by far, the leading cause of death for them.
Bully for you guys. Hope it goes thru.
Query: How much of the extra $50 goes to cancer research?
None. The state charges $50 extra for specialty plates. At least for firefighters and emts
How does having a license plate for one cancer give you national accreditation?
Cool.
Can I get a license plate that says, “IMPEACH the SOB NOW!”
I’d get that one . . .
Brian – I don’t think the awareness has been raised sufficiently yet for women to understand that we are now more likely to die from heart disease than breast cancer. I know that both my grandmother and my mother died from heart disease, although my grandmother also had a masectomy when she was younger due to breast cancer. It didn’t kill her though.
The license plate is more about raising the level of conscious awareness of a huge medical problem.
BTW, men get breast cancer too albeit rarely in comparison to women.
It’s a bit of psychology where exposure to a subject may cause corporations and charitable individuals to be more giving towards research funds and education about breast cancer.
For all of you macho single guys out there, it can be a “chick magnet” as women will see you as a caring and involved individual.
Okay, maybe the last paragraph was over the top, but hey…
It isn’t my state, so just an observation; if the state is charging and extra $50, shouldn’t AT LEAST $25 (if not all $50) go towards research?
Maybe so, but they say the $50 charge is to offset the extra cost of specialty plates. Seems kinda high to me, but what do I know. maybe it takes that much for the special dies and different artwork to amortize out over far fewer plates.
I don’t see why I’d pay $50 for an advertising campaign. I’d pay $50 for research but not waste my money to parade a pink ribbon that does nothing to address the actual problem.
So those against the plate don’t have to buy it since they don’t feel bringing awareness to save a woman’s life is not worth $50.00
They can go out and spend their $50.00 on something important to them, like that 24 pack of beer and some munchies to watch their favorite sport on TV.
I would like to know more about the process to get a special plate like this offered by the State.
Anyone know?
brian, the first step is to convince the legislature to pass legislation authorizing the special plate, the next step is (obviously) convincing the governor to sign the bill into law.
Good luck with your project, if you decide to undertake the same.
Repub:
How ’bout that $50 spent on actual support of research and treatment, rather than a vanity plate so I can piously claim I “care.”
How ’bout that $50 spent on actual support of research and treatment, rather than a vanity plate so I can piously claim I “care.”
Posted by: GMC70 | June 07, 2007 at 12:33 PM
That works as well, but we both know, “out of sight – out of mind.”
Stimulating an idea and promoting a solution often leads to further public consciousness than throwing a token in the collection pot.
Abortion is a proven risk factor for breast cancer, especially abortion of a young mother’s first pregnancy. Sen. Barbara Allen is one of the biggest promoters of abortion in the Kansas Legislature.
Abrtion also increases the risk of infertility.
They have the plates here in Ga but I would rather just send a contribution than have pink plates on my truck. I guess they would be OK on the wife’s car though!
As one who testified on behalf of this plate, I need to clarify a couple of comments made.
First, all $50 will go to the KUCC to support its clinical trial program for breast cancer patients. Currently many patients in Kansas who wish to participate in clinical trials must travel out of town or out of state to receive this treatment. The treatment can be, in many cases, free to the patient, but the travel expenses are not. Through the new clinical trial coordinator, these cutting edge treatments will be made available to communities all across our state.
This clinical trial program is one important asset needed in order for KU to gain NCI designation.
The funds needed to offset the cost of these distinctive plates are being raised privately and will not be carried by the buyer.
Thank you for your interest and input and don’t forget to do your monthly self-exams, yearly clinical exams, and yearly mammograms!!