Colorado pulling popular cancer awareness license plate over funding controversy?
Colorado's specialty "Committed to a Cure" license plate was rolled out in 2005. According to the women behind it, the goal was to "create broad awareness about the breast cancer crusade," and Coloradans have paid $50 to put the plates on their cars. A recently passed bill in the Colorado Legislature will add another $25 to that fee, and that extra surcharge has compelled the current plate's designers to ask for it to be retired.
The $25 will be applied to a fund that pays for treatment for uninsured women who have breast or cervical cancer. Carol Hickman, who had the original idea to create such a plate for Colorado is behind the movement to retire the current plate, says that since "there's no research component... it's not going to the overall purpose of committed to a cure." If the disease itself isn't being addressed with the surcharge, Hickman feels it's better not to allow the current plate to be used.
The uninsured women who have breast cancer and would benefit from treatment assistance would probably call that an overly strict definition of the word "cure." There is also the fact that no portion of the $50 vanity plate fee -- paid for 28,602 plates -- has gone to breast cancer research or treatment: half of that money goes to the DMV to pay for the plate and license services, the other half goes to highway maintenance.
A new plate breast-cancer-themed will be unveiled by November 1. Current plate holders have the option of trading plates when the new design arrives, or keeping theirs until 2012. The $25 surcharge will be optional until then.
[Source: 9 News | Image: Colorado House Democrats]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
esberg 7:52PM (7/28/2009)
I understand being committed to a cure... but starting a movement to pull the plate only after it FINALLY begins to benefit cancer victims in some way... that's just dumb.
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mavkato 6:51PM (7/28/2009)
is anyone not aware of breast cancer research at this point?
what about other types of cancers?
not trying to be insensitive, just asking legitimate questions.
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Anastasia Beaverhausen 10:37AM (7/30/2009)
Are you serious, if you are that driven to whine here, go out and make a difference by designing a license plate for the disease of YOUR choice.
Rocko 11:06AM (7/30/2009)
Are you kidding, Beaverhausen? You're a joke, right? Drop the cookie and get a job lady.
Nathan 6:54PM (7/28/2009)
Based on the media you'd think breast cancer and AIDs are the only diseases anyone ever gets. Absolutely ridiculous the way they've been almost glorified and plastered on everything, from computers, to license plates, to iPods, etc. Just like this license plate most of these things are gimmicks to steal your money and pad someone's pocket all so you can feel good about yourself with your false sense of superiority. There are real organizations you can donate to if you want to make a difference, buying a red laptop or pink license plate isn't doing anything.
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Will 9:03AM (7/29/2009)
The problem with breast cancer is that it will affect so many people. I've already had two women (my mom and my aunt) stricken with this disease. If a woman is going to get cancer, the chances are it will be breast cancer.
brakha5729 5:30PM (7/30/2009)
Actually, if a women is going to get cancer she is more likely to get lung or colon cancer than breast cancer. Women should be more worried about heart disease and stroke than breast cancer.
Aki 7:05PM (7/28/2009)
They call these "vanity" plates for good reason. The purpose of these are to show to the world how progressive and caring you are, to parade your philanthropy to the world. If you wanted to donate, there was never anything stopping you from going to a website to donate. Ironic that these don't even go towards the research it's supposed to fund.
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Level 7:08PM (7/28/2009)
Can I order a pink Prius please???
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Farmboy 7:26PM (7/28/2009)
I have to agree with the people above. Yes, breast cancer and AIDS are dreadful diseases. I know a few people who have had breast cancer, including my aunt who lives 2 houses down from me. Yes, I think it is great that people are trying to fight it, including Ford with the Warriors In Pink campaign. But seriously, there are other things other than AIDS and breast cancer that could also use our focus. I mean, if I hear one more AIDS in Africa song, commercial, news cast, or whatever, I think I'll hurl. Yeah, it's important, but I feel OVERinformed. I think it should be toned down just a little, to the level of about how often the autism campaign is, or the diabetes.
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Farmboy 7:28PM (7/28/2009)
I think I just portrayed my thoughts a little wrong. Sorry if I offended you. :(
Lynn 6:44AM (7/30/2009)
Hi, am not offended.. I do agree w/ you. and others here. I am so glad this article came out. I too thought that a portion of the cost of the plates were going to cancer research. I do not have the plate.. now I wouldn't order it ! I believe it should be pulled under the circimstances.
There are pins, stickers, cards, pencils, pens, tablets etc etc etc for the pink bow.. let it be.
If you are not "aware" you are never go ing to be aware.
I am also tired of hearing about other countries.. in dire need... .... Lets take a look at the good ole USA for a change! I work in a grocery.. I see " my own people" unable to buy the foods they need for their families health..................and am suppose to feed ( medical ) the world ?
********************** Lets not forget 9 /11 ********** and am suppose to rebuild the countries that murdered those during 9/11? ******************** I struggle to pay my electric bill.. I turn the thermo up in the heat of summer 98 degrees .... in the winter.. I freeze to save money... to buy my own food. My budget is so low... I can't adjust it any further.. my luxury.. an old computer... and internet.. to stay in touch w/ family and friends..... a luxury because I can't afford to go to a movie... I can't buy a mc donalds dinner.... my car is now 1981 and glued together......
and am being told.... pay more tax's.. pay more insurnace... pay more pay more... wellllllllllll
**********************chairty starts at home... take care of our own............before its too late!
******************************** Illegals***************** yep I know... everyone has a right to be here..
and the USA government .... which is suppose to be me and you............ we have the right to provide for everyone. Even if they do not work.. or contribute! **********************
I can go to work.. and I do. I stand on my feet.... 8 hrs a day and move in a space about 3 feet wide by 2 ft.... concrete floor, never sitting down... I get to smile and be pleasant to customers that look down at me.. and be cruel nasty people.. and not able to say anything back because of "company poilices and loosing my job".......................... and then when my check comes...
a huge chunk is taken out of it..... to "provide" services for the needy. lol Like am not in need of the money I just earned! Legally.... and honestly !
I get to co work w/ youn kids... 30 yrs younger then me... who know it all. Yet they can eat, walk around, go to the bathroom .. sit down.. when they want. All the time telling me no.. you can't go to the bathroom.. its busy.. after standing in one place for 4 hrs! You have to wait................
If we wish to give something to some one... lets give it to the real workers.... the poeple who really deserve it... all ! Lets worry about the cashier at the grocery.... or the people at the flea mkt trying to make aliving and get by... or the person driving the cab... the guy / gal mowing your lawn... the roofer that is up on the hot roof ... making ends meet..... the cop or fireman that have to do things that none of the rest of us ... can ever concieve doing......... notice I didn't mention teachers... they are well paid... and have all the perks.. sorry !
********************** help those who have no help... who have no where to turn...... and can't get anything "free".... help those who are the backbone of the "system" paying thru their noses... to "give" their money to help others.
If youw ant to make a license plate.... make one that says..... ifyou make under $20,000 and work ( not welfare or disability) then you pay NO TAX's .. then you will be helping those who actually work for a living ! And deserve the license plate and help !
Gary 5:23PM (7/30/2009)
Hey Farmboy...I understand that you are feeling over exposed to the illnesses, people's pet projects (so to speak) that some feel strongly about and want to expose others to what they believe needs exposure. I know when I see an ad for domestic violence, child abuse, etc..it angers me, the images and verbage they use to bring the topic to light, but that is just it, in order to bring the topic home, they need to be upfront and direct, without flowery words and images. I have AIDS, and I am so aware the ways people feel about this illness. Some feel that those with the illness deserve what we got. Some feel it is God's divine providence. Some feel that it is a sign of End of days. Some, most, are empathetic. Yes, AIDS had been a hot topic for 20+ years now, but things have nit changed all that much although the coverage now is not 10% og what it was 15 yrs ago. The thing about AIDS is, that along with the medical issues that come along with the illness, and the subsequent death, there is a social death (noted in many films) that comes way before the physical one. I think I speak for most when I say the social death is far more diffucult. Fear being a cause for that. So, if it is spoken about and the education of the how's and why's about AIDS are contantly noted, then this is good. It is also good because young people, male and female, are still being infected. Especially females. Young females. It is also important that people know there is NO cure as many believe there is, and throw caution to the wind and forget all they have been taught. Cancer, too, is so terrible and so painful, in diferent ways. The major difference, I feel, is that the stigma that comes along with an AIDS dx, does not come along with a cancer dx. People pity those with cancer, rightfully, but they do not even empathize with AIDS patients. I have gone on....so I would ask you that if you can, don't hurl, be patient, and understand that even though the ads may be disturbing, repetitive, they are, in the long run, saving people by educating people. Those little red and pink ribbons, maybe annoying to look at after all this time, do remind you that people do ahve cancer and AIDS, no? I thank you for your patience, personally, and hope you can hold on until there are more treatments for AIDS (as a cure is impossiible since it is a virus and even the cold virus cannot be cured, nevertheless AIDS) and a cure for cancers. Peace and excuse me for going on! Forgive typing.
Gardiner Westbound 7:27PM (7/28/2009)
Hard to understand how the vanity plates benefited patients when nary a dime went to cancer research or patient care.
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bc 8:07PM (7/28/2009)
It's very odd. Pennsylvania has a number of special fund plates that only cost $35--$20 for the plate and $15 goes to the charity. I don't consider these vanity plates because you don't get to choose the number/letter combination. I got the wildlife plate (currently a river otter) because I used to have a Maryland blue heron plate when I lived there, the standard PA plate is ugly, and the river otter plate's colors go well with my car. OTOH, Virginia has dozens of special plate designs which just indicate what special interest you have (bicycling, prolife, antiterrorism, etc.) but don't raise money for a cause either.
MNB 7:46PM (7/28/2009)
Who cares
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MNB 7:54PM (7/28/2009)
they say the money is for cancer but probably just pads the gov's pockets
moderate 11:42AM (7/30/2009)
Millions of women who had or have breast cancer. including me, 2 time survivor. Thats who cares
moderate 11:43AM (7/30/2009)
Millions of women who had or have breast cancer. including me, 2 time survivor. Thats who cares
dadslife83 7:56PM (7/28/2009)
It's a sexist license plate too. I want a blue one made for men's prostate awareness. Two out of three men past a certain age get prostate cancer.
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