AUGUSTA BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR NAMED LOCAL HERO FOR ULTIMATE DRIVE

Augusta, Ga. -- Local breast cancer survivor Tamika Weaver never learned how to drive. But she encourages Augustans to come out and do the driving for her during the BMW of North America Inc. Ultimate Drive for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on April 30.

Weaver has been named the Local Hero for the event, which takes place locally at Taylor BMW on 3233 Washington Rd. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests are invited to come for a test drive and, for every mile driven, BMW of North America will donate $1 to benefit breast cancer research, education, support and treatment initiatives. Representatives from the MCG Cancer Center will also offer breast health education.

More than 200 cities across the United States will participate in the Ultimate Drive, with Local Heroes in each city acting as ambassadors to educate the public about breast cancer.

"The Komen message is an important one," said Weaver. "I can't stress enough how vital it is for women to receive regular mammograms and perform self-checks at an early age. In particular, I hope my story will help educate African-American women, who are less likely to receive this type of breast cancer screening."

Weaver was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27. "I never thought I needed to get a mammogram at my age. It was pure chance that I located the lump while shaving. Now I urge all college-bound women to begin receiving regular mammograms and to do monthly self-checks," said Weaver.

She underwent a mastectomy on the day before her 28th birthday. The surgery revealed that the cancer had been diagnosed early enough and had not spread to her lymph nodes. Neither radiation nor chemotherapy were necessary and Weaver has been cancer free ever since. "Looking back now, it was the best birthday present I could have received," she said.

Weaver has remained active in supporting breast health. She is a member of the MCG Breast Cancer Support Group and has volunteered for the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program as well as for its annual Relay for Life fund-raiser, acting as team captain for 2002-2003.

"I'm very proud to have been chosen as the Local Hero for the Ultimate Drive event in Augusta," said Weaver. "I hope everyone here and in the surrounding counties will show their support for this wonderful cause."

Now, there's only one more thing she'd like to do. "I have to learn how to drive," said Weaver with a laugh.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.