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Breast Cancer Survivor Shares a Toast With Pink Ribbon Wines

Friends Gather to Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary

Velinda Wheeles, of Opelika, Alabama, gathered tonight with friends to share a glass of Pink Ribbon Wines, enjoy the evening's "Stand Up To Cancer" television broadcast, and most importantly, celebrate her ten-year anniversary as a breast cancer survivor.

Wheeles, like more than 180,000 women each year, was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in 1998, only ten months after the birth of her third child. "I was breast feeding, and noticed a lump," says Wheeles. Following an ultrasound and mammogram, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. "Once I heard the word 'cancer' come out of the doctor's mouth, I didn't hear another word he said," says Wheeles.

A full ten years later, Wheeles is a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness and research. She organizes an annual 'Think Pink' walk in her hometown, and shares her story with others as much as possible.

A self-proclaimed wine enthusiast, Wheeles supports the Pink Ribbon Wines label, and often sends a gift package of the private label wine to her friends and family members, as a thank you for supporting her through her breast cancer challenge.

"Sending a bottle of wine as a gift is special, but sending a Pink Ribbon Wines gift package has much more meaning to me," says Wheeles. "I appreciate knowing that a donation from each bottle sold will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation," she says.

Wade/Kerr Wine Company introduced the special edition wine as a sincere effort to raise funds year-round for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. "Pink Ribbon Wines is designed to pay tribute to all the women who have survived, and are fighting breast cancer. My mother is a 22 year survivor, and the doctors, nurses and care givers who helped us during her struggle will always have a special place in our hearts," says Bill Wade.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States, and during 2008, more than 40,000 people will die from breast cancer alone.

Pink Ribbon Wines is promoting its own 'Toast to the Cure' event on October 30, 2008, at the culmination of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Pink Ribbon Wines collection, featuring a Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, may be ordered online by visiting .