Baird takes part in Suits and Sneakers at the Statehouse

Wednesday, January 30, 2013
State Rep. Jim Baird shows off his sneakers Tuesday as part of the "Suits and Sneakers" challenge at the Statehouse to promote cancer awareness in Indiana.

INDIANAPOLIS -- State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) and House legislators and staff wore sneakers at the Statehouse Tuesday in support of the "Suits and Sneakers" challenge to promote awareness of the fight against cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, last year 35,000 Hoosiers heard the words "you have cancer," and of those, 13,000 lost their lives to the disease.

Suits and Sneakers is a program sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches to help raise cancer awareness and support those affected by it.

"By knowing how to prevent cancer and taking the steps to do so, we can say enough is enough," Baird said. "The 'Suits and Sneakers' challenge at the Indiana capital today was a step toward fighting cancer. By continuing to spread the word, I hope that one day a cure will be found and countless lives will be saved."

Coach Greg Lansing of the Indiana State University men's basketball team represented all Indiana college basketball coaches during his visit to the Statehouse. He encouraged House members and staff to continue to raise awareness on ways to reduce the risk of cancer.

These include eating right, exercising, making healthy lifestyle choices and following the American Cancer Society's recommended cancer screening guidelines.

"Cancer affects thousands of families across our state," said House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis). "I appreciated the efforts that our Indiana collegiate coaches took in challenging the Legislature to help raise awareness. It was a great opportunity to show our fellow Hoosiers they're not alone in this fight."

Visit www.cancer.org for more information on how you can help spread the message and fight back against cancer.

Rep. Baird represents all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.

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