The New York State Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund was established in 1996 to provide funding for breast cancer research and outreach programs. Residents have been able to make donations to the fund by checking the appropriate box on their state income tax return form. The fund is managed by the NYS Health Research Science Board who also gather information and data from national organizations to help the state in its fight against breast cancer.

Since its inception, the Research and Education Fund has raised more than $2.4 million. This year, as of Oct. 1, nearly $600,000 has been donated. The fund is currently supporting 28 research projects at academic medical institutions and both public and private organizations throughout the state.

I believed more needed to be done. Last year, I authored the new state law that now requires New York State to match residents' donations to the Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund. As a result, approximately $1.2 million will be added to the fund and the fight against breast cancer this year.

If you have any questions regarding this new law or if you would like further information about breast cancer, mammographies, or ways to obtain support, please feel free to contact me at 546-4100 or e-mail me at fuschill@senate.state.ny.us.

Charles F. Fuschillo, Jr.