Cancer Monument Founder to Be Honored

CONTACT:
Wendi Costlow
Vice President/Director of Marketing
Community Credit Union
972-578-5000, ext. 7332

ALLEN, TX - October 29, 2004
An Allen resident who formed a non-profit organization to construct the first Cancer Monument will be honored with the Community Credit Union/KSCS Salute a Local Hero Award.  Michelle Miller will receive the award during a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29 at Community Credit Union, 225 S. Custer Rd., Allen.

Miller, a lymphoma survivor, founded the Cancer Monument, an organization dedicated to raising funds to construct a memorial for cancer victims, while she herself was fighting off the disease.  The monument, when completed, will contain the names of 60,000 people who have waged war with the disease.  The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington, D.C. was her inspiration for the Cancer Monument.

Dena Plumer, who nominated Miller for the Salute a Local Hero Award, says she deserves the award because she turned her thoughts outward rather than dwelling on herself even as she fought for her life.

"Michelle is MY hero because she dedicated her life to trumpeting others as heroes, not herself.  In championing others and bringing the war on cancer to the spotlight, she has created a special opportunity for our community as well," Plumer wrote in her nomination.

Cancer survivors, family and friends from 18 different states have submitted names for inscription on the monument.  And of course, there's room for plenty more.  Miller expects to have the monument completed within five years.  It will be constructed in Allen.

"Michelle Miller has found a unique way to bring attention to the thousands of lives touched by cancer and she did it while fighting cancer herself.  Her efforts will not only bring attention to the fight against cancer, they will also shine the spotlight on the community of Allen," said Gary Base, Community Credit Union President and CEO.

Community Credit Union, along with radio station KSCS created the Salute a Local Hero Award so that residents of the Dallas/Fort Worth area could brag about their neighbors who devote themselves to a cause that makes their community a better place to live.   Nominations are still being accepted for future awards online at www.CommunityCU.org and www.KSCS.com

With more than 225,000 members and $1.6 billion in assets, Community Credit Union is federally insured through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).  Founded in 1952, the Credit Union serves over 80 communities in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Membership is open to persons and their families who live or work in or are paid from one of these communities.

For more information on Community Credit Union, visit www.CommunityCU.org.

For more information on The Cancer Monument, Inc., visit www.TheCancerMonument.org.