Thousands of women from communities throughout the region are part of a nationwide system of “buddies.” In the Cape Girardeau area, this community awareness program is sponsored by Southeast Missouri Hospital and KFVS12.

Buddy Check encourages women of all ages to take responsibility for their own health by performing regular breast self-exams every month and having routine screening mammography and breast exams by a physician.

Southeast Missouri Hospital is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for American Cancer Society’s Annual Cape County Relay for Life. Funds raised at Relay for Life go toward cancer research.

Relay for Life was founded in 1985 by Gordan Klatt of Tacoma, WA. Klatt, a surgeon and local American Cancer Society volunteer, ran and walked solo around a track for 24 hours, traveling 81 miles. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. Now the American Cancer Society’s signature event, Relay for Life annually raises more than $200 million in 2,800 communities nationwide.