Simon: Screening is key to early detection, saving lives

CHICAGO - Oct. 24, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today highlighted the importance of receiving regular mammograms to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Simon visited Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago where she underwent a mammogram and urged all women to make their health a priority and seek proactive screenings.

"Studies show that as we get older, women are at an increased risk of breast cancer," said Simon. "But this disease, which takes away so many of our mothers, daughters, wives, sisters and aunts, can be preventable and treatable with an earlier warning. I'm urging all women to get screened."

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society recommends all women age 40 and older have a mammogram every year to screen for breast cancer.

"Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and early detection plays a critical role in its treatment," said Erin I. Neuschler, MD, associate director of breast imaging clinical operations for Northwestern Medicine and assistant professor of radiology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, it can be treated effectively in most women, and mammography is a proven method for early detection."

Simon chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council and advocated for improved access to women's health care in underserved areas. Throughout her term as Lt. Governor, Simon has used her own breast cancer screenings as a tool to encourage women throughout Illinois to seek proactive treatments.

"The process of getting a mammogram is quick and painless, and usually private," Simon added. "But if giving a peek into my exam room convinces even one woman to go out and get a mammogram, it's worth the discomfort."

Please see above for satellite uplink coordinates. Footage includes b-roll of Lt. Governor Simon's exam, as well as interviews with Simon and Dr. Neuschler.

CARBONDALE – July 2, 2014. Heading into the Fourth of July weekend, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

"As we prepare to celebrate our country`s 238th birthday, we should take time to look back on the half century since the enactment of the Civil Rights Act," Simon said. "Today, we should honor the brave struggle of activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and the Freedom Riders. We have come a long way, but there is still more work to be done to ensure true equality."

Simon spent part of the day Wednesday, the anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, at Southern Illinois University, where she spoke to international students about American politics and civil rights.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was conceived by President John F. Kennedy, defended in Congress by U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen of Illinois, and enacted under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Signed July 2, 1964, it ensures equality under the law regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The law has given Americans a tool to fight discrimination in housing, the job market, the courtroom, and at the polls.

Simon continues to support the expansion of civil rights in Illinois. She spoke out in favor of marriage equality, and celebrated alongside activists as the marriage equality law went into effect last month. The law ensures the marriages of same-sex couples are legally recognized in Illinois.

MOLINE - Feb. 28, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon was today joined by representatives of Verizon and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) to name four Moline High School students the first place winners of the "NO MORE Dating Abuse" video challenge. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

"It is important that young people can recognize signs of an unhealthy relationship and know how to get out," said Simon, a former prosecutor who founded Virtual Legal Clinics to aid abuse survivors in underserved areas of the state. "These students produced strong messages to help their peers identify the signs of unhealthy relationships and showed that it's never too late to seek help or speak up when you see a friend in trouble."

Now in its second year, this challenge is the first of its kind in Illinois and is coordinated by the ICADV and the Lt. Governor's office, and sponsored by Verizon. Last September, all high schools throughout the state were encouraged to invite their students to submit a video that called for the end of teen dating violence and promoted healthy relationships. Moline High School received $1,000 for submitting the winning entries, and students on the winning team received iPads.

"Two primary components are highlighted by this project: the public and private partnerships with Verizon and the Lt. Governor's Office, and the enthusiasm and engagement of the youth all working together to help end domestic violence in Illinois," said ICADV Chief Executive Officer Vickie Smith.

"The unique perspective that teens bring to these videos is so important in helping to increase their understanding, awareness and communication on the topic of healthy relationships and domestic violence," said Verizon Wireless Region President Brian Pascoe. "We are proud of their work and appreciate the opportunity to support this program with the Lt. Governor."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), almost 10 percent of high school students reported being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend. About one in five women and nearly one in seven men who have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, first experienced some form of partner violence between 11 and 17 years of age, the CDCP reports.

The winning videographers at Moline High School are: Gabrielle Pinc, Travis Meier, Elane Edwards and J.J. Schrick. Their nearly one-minute video shows teens how to identify the signs of an unhealthy relationship, how victims can get help, and urges teens to support healthy relationships. The second and third place teams are from South Elgin High School Beacon Academy and Eastland Junior/Senior High School in Lanark, IL, respectively. To view the top three winning videos, please visit www.ilcadv.org.