Designer Denim Raises Awareness of HER2-positive Breast Cancer
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Fashion designer Daniella Clarke
of Frankie B., Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and Genentech, Inc.
today announced the launch of a national public awareness campaign called
"HER2 Genes." The campaign was created to educate women about HER2-positive
breast cancer and the importance of HER2 testing through a new and unique
avenue -- fashion.
About one in four women with breast cancer has too many copies of the
HER2 gene in her tumor cells, which causes cancer cells to grow and spread
more quickly. The HER2 gene abnormality is only present in breast cancer
cells and cannot be passed on to other family members. Research has shown
that women with HER2-positive breast cancer have a more aggressive disease
and greater likelihood of recurrence than women with HER2-negative breast
cancer.
"It is important for women with breast cancer to find out if their
breast cancer is HER2-positive because it can help physicians make more
informed decisions about appropriate treatment options," said Margaret C.
Kirk, Chief Executive Officer of Y-ME. "Together, we are working to
increase public awareness about an especially aggressive form of breast
cancer, as well as to educate women about the questions to ask and steps to
take at the time of diagnosis."
The HER2 Genes campaign launches today with the unveiling of limited
edition HER2 "Genes," jeans designed by Daniella Clarke, founder and owner
of Frankie B., during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles (October
15-19). The HER2 "Genes" will be available for purchase online via
http://www.HER2Genes.com. For each pair of HER2 "Genes" by Frankie B. sold from
September through November, Frankie B. will donate $107 to Y-ME National
Breast Cancer Organization.
Daniella Clarke designed the HER2 "Genes" as a symbol of empowerment
for the thousands of women who will be diagnosed with HER2-positive disease
each year. She hopes that the "Genes" will help initiate dialogue among
women about the importance of knowing one's HER2 status at the time of a
breast cancer diagnosis.
"Jeans are a staple in almost every woman's wardrobe, and women often
identify themselves by the jeans they wear. Similarly, genes can say a lot
about a woman's breast cancer," said Daniella Clarke, founder and owner of
Frankie B. "As a woman, mother and friend, I believe I have an important
role to play in raising awareness of HER2-positive breast cancer. The HER2
Genes campaign builds on our collective love of fashion to empower women to
learn more about their breast cancer and talk to their doctor about HER2
testing and treatment options."
About HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 212,920 women
will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and 40,970 will die from the
disease. HER2-positive breast cancer is one form of breast cancer.
HER2-positive breast cancer is caused by the over-expression of a gene
called HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2) in tumor cells. The
HER2 gene helps control how cells grow, divide, and repair themselves.
Unfortunately, many breast cancer patients are unaware of their breast
cancer's HER2 status. When first diagnosed with breast cancer, patients
should get their tumor tested for HER2. The results of a HER2 test can give
physicians insight into a woman's breast cancer and can help them make more
informed decisions about appropriate treatment options.
About Daniella Clarke
Frankie B. founder and owner, Daniella Clarke, is considered a
trendsetter in jeans design and built a fashion empire based on denim.
Denim has always been a passion for Daniella, who is widely credited for
sparking the low-rise trend. The Frankie B. line is a lifestyle collection
that offers chic style for everyone. Daniella is married to rock guitarist
Gilby Clarke, and mother of daughter Frankie, the inspiration behind her
Frankie B. brand and logo.
About Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization's mission is to ensure,
through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast
cancer alone. Y-ME does not raise money for research, but instead is here
today for women who can't wait for tomorrow's cure. Y-ME has the only
24-hour hotline staffed entirely by trained breast cancer survivors.
Additionally, affiliates throughout the nation provide services such as
support groups, breast health awareness workshops, wigs and prostheses for
women with limited resources, and advocacy on breast cancer related
policies in their communities.
HER2 Genes Information
For more information about HER2 Genes visit http://www.HER2Genes.com or
http://www.Y-ME.org, or call the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Hotline at 1-800-221-
2141 (English, with interpreters available in 150 languages) or
1-800-986-9505 (Spanish).
Contacts:
Serene Cicora
Frankie B.
(323) 937-3777
Christina Koenig
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
(312) 294-8534
Kimberly Ocampo
Genentech, Inc.
(650) 467-0679
Vanessa Kelepecz
Cohn & Wolfe
(212) 798-9842
SOURCE Genentech, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.HER2Genes.com
http://www.Y-ME.org
CONTACT:
Serene Cicora, Frankie B., +1-323-937-3777,
or Christina Koenig, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization,
+1-312-294-8534, or Kimberly Ocampo, Genentech, Inc.,
+1-650-467-0679, or Vanessa Kelepecz, Cohn & Wolfe,
+1-212-798-9842
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