Mayor Oberlie's campaign against cancer aims to raise awareness about breast and prostate cancer, emphasizing early detection and risk reduction. The campaign includes various community initiatives such as the 'Community Project in Pink,' the annual 'Plunge for a Cure,' and a chili cook-off, all aimed at promoting cancer awareness and fundraising for cancer organizations. Volunteers play a crucial role in distributing information and resources, affecting many families impacted by cancer in the community.

1. Mayor’s Campaign Against Cancer

2. Our efforts have a ripple effect on those who have cancer, who have survived cancer, or who have a family member that lost or won their battle with cancer. We invite you to be part of this ripple of support.

3. What is the Mayor’s Campaign? “ The goals of this campaign,” said Mayor Oberlie, “are to increase awareness and knowledge regarding breast and prostate cancer, early detection, risk factor reduction and early treatment intervention. Among other projects, we will work with the American Cancer Society and local healthcare providers to notify the community about resources for low-income women and men which provide them with access to mammograms and prostate cancer screening. It is important that healthcare providers, non-profit organizations and other community members network to provide outreach into the community regarding cancer awareness and intervention.”

4. Awards The Mayor’s Campaign Against Cancer won, in 2004, honorable mention in both: The USA Weekender’s “Make A Difference Day” competition; and the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ “City Livability” competition

5. Community Project In Pink The first project sponsored by the Michigan City Mayor’s Campaign Against Cancer was “Community Project in Pink” during which more than 100 children and adults wore pink and made history by forming a living breast cancer awareness pin. The photograph of the result became the logo for our Mayor’s Campaign Against Cancer. The participants in this project received anti-smoking literature, pencils, t-shirts and other materials in an effort to reduce the number of smokers in our community.

6. This 27-mile cruise brings together vehicles of all ages, styles and conditions! The cruise is followed by a dance with live music. Door prizes are awarded…and donations for the American Cancer Society are accepted. May 18, 2008

7. Plunge For A Cure

8. Entering our SIXTH Year! During the first annual Plunge For The Cure, 75 people came to the lakefront and made donations to the Mayor’s Campaign Against Cancer; more than 30 of those (including Mayor Oberlie) plunged into the 55-degree waters of Lake Michigan in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who lost the fight. The Mayor’s Campaign Against Cancer donated $2100 to the Susan B. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society in 2007; local merchants and service providers donated more than $1000 in prizes to the annual event; the participants received the prizes during drawings following the Plunge events. The Plunge just completed its 5th year, and we'll all plunge into Lake Michigan at 10:00 a.m. CST on Saturday, October 4th, 2008. Registration and donation forms are available on the city website – www.emichigancity.com . Go to “Marketing & Community Relations.”

12. For the first time, Lake Michigan was cooler than the air! Clear skies, no wind, and higher-than-normal temperatures contributed to making the 2007 Plunge a great experience!

13. World-famous artist, John Lucas , a Michigan City native and resident who draws Archie, Veronica, and Barbie, generously donated his talents to create the Plunge For A Cure logo. This logo is printed on t-shirts, donated by local companies JK Enterprises and Faithwalkers , which are given to those who participate in the Plunge every year.

14. Chili Cook-Off

15. Chili Cook-Off Held just before award-winning Festival of Lights is turned on in Washington Park. Served more than 300 gallons of chili in 2006 – will serve more than that in 2007 Department heads compete for trophy Unique chili concoctions

16. Volunteers Make It Work

17. Promotions Public service announcements about detection, treatment and prevention on local radio and local access television stations. Taped discussion by healthcare professionals, including oncologists, radiologists, and family physicians, was shown more than 340 times on local access television station in 2004. More than 600 breast cancer self-detection cards have been distributed at local shopping centers by volunteers. Anti-smoking materials were distributed to school-aged children.

18. Website www.emichigancity.com Visit the Marketing & Community Relations Section Cancer Awareness Breast, Prostate, and other cancers Anti-smoking Health & Fitness Diabetes Drug & Alcohol Addiction Recovery Newsletters Links to health & fitness websites

19. Join Us… In getting crucial information out to our community by helping us distribute information through your group By participating in Plunge For A Cure – create a team that plunges together By participating in Cruisin’ For A Cure – put signs about your club or business on your cruise entry By donating to the Mayor’s Campaign Against Cancer

20. Thank You Mayor Oberlie said, “There may be no family in our community which has not been touched by cancer in some way.” Volunteers make the difference in getting information to people. We’re counting on you.