Former city councilwoman helps raise $750,000 for Breast Cancer Research Foundation

By John Sharp

Former KCMO City Councilwoman Cathy Jolly who represented much of south Kansas City organized the 15th Kansas City Council Annual Benefit to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) this fall and reported the event has raised approximately $740,000 since its inception for breast cancer research.

Jolly noted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and now represents one in four of all cancers among woman globally.

A breast cancer survivor, Jolly started the event when she was on the City Council following her service as a Missouri state representative, and has continued it ever since.

“I am so grateful for the many mayors and city council members who have continued to host these events,” Jolly said, noting it is gratifying to know that no matter who is in office, hosting the benefit continues.

Jolly said the event has over 40 sponsors including businesses, civic leaders, labor unions and law firms, and their contributions have ranged from $500 to $10,000.  While the events during the past two years have not raised as much as normal since they have been only online, she said she is looking forward to an in-person event next October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

She urged interested persons to go to the BCRF website at www.bcrf.org to learn about the promising research and successful new treatments for breast cancer developed due to research funded by the organization which she noted is the largest private funder for breast cancer research worldwide and the highest rated organization battling breast cancer in the U.S.

“Kansas City is making a meaningful impact on breast cancer treatment and research,” she concluded.