Marg Helgenberger launches breast cancer research fundraiser

Actress Marg Helgenberger has teamed up with fundraisers at Stand Up to Cancer for the second year in a row to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. The CSI star has also partnered with The Safeway Foundation for a public service campaign called Together We’re Creating a Brighter Tomorrow.
On 1 October (13), shoppers at Safeway grocery stores across America and Canada will be able to purchase a $2.99 (£1.99) reusable shopping bag and a portion of the proceeds will go to breast cancer research.
Helgenberger was eager to participate in the fundraising effort because of her personal experience with the disease.
She tells TVGuide.com, “My mother’s a breast cancer survivor. I was really honoured, because it’s something that obviously means a lot to me.
“I was 20 or 21, and the thought of losing my mother was… beyond my comprehension. Thankfully, she survived and has thrived, and she has not had any recurrences. I have been eternally grateful for her survival, so if I can add my name to something that will spread the word and help get people to have screenings – why not, you know?”
Fundraisers at the Safeway Foundation have raised $119 million (£79.3 million) to date for research, but the actress hopes more people will get involved.
She continues, “Every single person on the planet is affected by cancer in some way. Everyone can relate to it. Some people haven’t been so lucky, in that their loved ones didn’t survive. The longer we’re around and the more research is available and more treatments and technologies are made available, then the survivorship will just grow and grow.”