Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Phillips Funeral Home has partnered with the American Breast Cancer Foundation and the Path to the Cure Pink Ribbon Fund at St. Mary’s Medical Center to offer families an easy way to support one of the nation’s most important causes.

“Nearly 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 alone. But through important education and outreach programs like those of the American Breast Cancer Foundation and the Path to the Cure Pink Ribbon Fund, more than 1.6 million Americans can say they have survived,” said David Phillips, of Phillips Funeral Home.

Phillips Funeral Home’s new program is called Sentiments and it allows families to honor their loved ones by making a financial donation to both breast cancer foundations at no cost. The funeral home has teamed up with Aurora Casket Company, and for every family served in the month of October, both companies will make a financial contribution on the family’s behalf.

The American Breast Cancer Foundation provides financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured men and women of all ages for breast cancer diagnostic tests, including annual screenings and mammograms. The foundation is committed to early detection and awareness to give those diagnosed a better chance for effective treatment and survival. More information is available at www.abcf.org or www.pathtothecure.org.

“The disease has touched so many of our lives,” Phillips said. “We are proud that we can help our families honor their loved ones and give back to the community. The best part is, it doesn’t cost the family anything to participate.”

Phillips Funeral Home is located at 1004 S. Seventh St. and has been serving families in the Ironton community for more than 104 years. Aurora was founded in 1890 and is the nation’s largest family-owned casket company.

For more information about Sentiments, contact the funeral home at (740) 532-2144 or online at www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.