3,000 "Cure Breast Cancer" License Plates Now on the Road in Massachusetts.

BOSTON -- It was October 31, 2006 when the "Cure Breast Cancer" license plate first became available in the Commonwealth. Since then, over 3,000 people have signed up for this license plate, raising more than $100,000 for research to find a cure for breast cancer. This amount will only get exponentially larger thanks to the efforts of Deb McNeill, Janice Connolly-Laubenstein and others who have spear-headed the plate initiative.

The special license plate, designed by McNeill, costs an additional $40 above the regular registration Registry fee. Of that $40, $12 goes to the Registry of Motor Vehicles for production with the remaining $28 deposited in the Diane Connolly-Zaniboni Breast Cancer Research Fund at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston. The plate is renewed every two years, at which point $40 goes directly into to the breast cancer research fund.

Deb McNeill, a breast cancer survivor herself, is thrilled that the dream of a breast cancer license plate has finally come true. "Each plate sold represents a personal, unique story," said McNeill. "It represents a community of supporters who have stepped up and made a statement to help the fight against breast cancer. These individuals and the stories they share is what makes all of our hard work worthwhile."

McNeill is not alone in her belief that this plate has helped support both breast cancer survivors and the loved ones of those impacted by this disease. As supporters register for their "Cure Breast Cancer" plates, they offer their stories and the personal connections to the cause.

Plate 280 writes:

"I lost my 47-year-old sister Judy on May 24th of this year to breast cancer. I miss her very much... She was my only sister. I feel in my heart that getting a plate is something I can do for the cure of breast cancer."

Plate 436 writes:

"My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 1996, one month before my wedding. She went on to have 5 years cancer free. Her cancer returned in July of 2001, when my sister and I were both 6 months pregnant. She lived until June of 2003, fighting for every day to spend with her grand babies. I miss her terribly..."

Plate 1409 writes:

"As a daughter of a breast cancer survivor and having lost two close friends to this disease, I am honored to display this plate on my car."

The breast cancer license plate honors so many people who have lost their battle with breast cancer, including the late Diane Connolly-Zaniboni. The license plate with a pink ribbon and the word "Cure" serves as a symbol of hope, strength and support to those currently suffering from the disease.

To get your plate go to your local Registry of Motor Vehicles or order online at: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/express/cureBreastCancer.htm