Thiel Professor and Other Breast Cancer Advocates Meet with Dr. Jill Biden to Discuss Their Shared Goal of Ending Breast Cancer

June 16 , 2009

GREENVILLE, Pa.—On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, National Breast Cancer Coalition grassroots field leadership from across the country, including Connie Reinhart, NBCC volunteer field coordinator and associate professor and director of teacher education at Thiel College, and NBCC president, Fran Visco, were hosted by Dr. Jill Biden at the vice president’s residence to discuss breast cancer research and legislative priorities.

“I’m truly honored to host this group of advocates,” Dr. Biden told the group. “And I know that the work NBCC is doing is critical to paving the way for a breast cancer-free world.” Dr. Biden’s personal involvement with breast cancer began in 1993, when four close friends were diagnosed.

The meeting at the Biden residence followed the conclusion of NBCC’s annual Advocacy Training Conference, which is geared toward continuing education on the scientific, advocacy and public policy aspects of breast cancer.  The day prior to meeting with Dr. Biden, Reinhart joined breast cancer survivors and other advocates from all over the country for a full day of Capitol Hill meetings. As a group, Reinhart and other advocates representing Pennsylvania lobbied for NBCC’s legislative priorities and urged support of the NBCC agenda in personal meetings with their Congress members.

A native of Greenville, Reinhart, who has more than 35 years of experience in the field of education, has taught at Thiel since 2003. She is a breast cancer survivor and a long-time advocate for breast cancer research and awareness. She lives in Jamestown.

About the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund

The National Breast Cancer Coalition is a grassroots membership organization dedicated to ending breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy.  Along with the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, its research and education arm, NBCC’s main goals are to promote research into the cause of, and optimal preventive and treatment interventions for, breast cancer through increased federal funding, fostering of innovation and collaborative approaches, and improved accountability; to improve access to quality breast cancer care for all women, from screening through diagnosis, treatment and care, particularly for the underserved and uninsured, through legislation and change in systems of delivery of health care; and to educate and empower women and men as advocates, increasing the involvement and influence of those living with breast cancer and other breast cancer activists wherever and whenever breast cancer decisions are made.

About Thiel College

Founded in 1866, Thiel College is a liberal arts, sciences and professional studies institution located in Greenville, Pa., that provides a great balance of academic challenge, personal and social involvement, and exceptional value to its 1,100 students. For more information about Thiel College, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, visit www.thiel.edu or call 800-24-THIEL.

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