Dear Editor,

For every woman in California a serious life endangering cut is being made to our State Budget. The "Every Woman Counts" Breast and Gynecological Cancer detection and treatment program is being severely cut back.

For at least the next six months, your uninsured or under-insured wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt or grandmother will not be able to receive the necessary tests and treatment she might need to save her life.

As a breast cancer survivor, I am thankful everyday that my family is able to help pay for my health insurance but as a volunteer at the Humboldt Community Breast Heath Project, I can't count the number of times I've answered the phone to hear a scared often tearful voice saying they've found a lump but can't afford to get a mammogram and visit the doctor. Or worse, they have been diagnosed with cancer but can't afford the treatment that will give them the best chance to live.

Before Jan 1, I was so grateful to be able to say "Don't worry

there is a wonderful program through our State that will see you

through this journey. All you need to think about is getting

well."

The relief and gratitude of these amazing, strong women touches my heart every time. When you are told you have cancer the world goes black and we all need that tiny light of hope and support to guide us back to our precious lives with our families, friends and community.

Please let our representatives and the Governor know that we can't balance the budget on the backs of women with cancer. My understanding is that the cost of this program is a very small portion of the whole budget, yet the value of the women who touch our lives is inestimable.

Bonnie Etz

Trinidad