Barbara Dawn Lyke, a Wiley, Texas resident, used her three-minute public comment time at the Oct. 13 Collin County Commissioners Court meeting to urge continued attention and funding for breast cancer research and prevention.

Lyke summarized the history and importance of clinical trials, including the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) STAR trial comparing tamoxifen and raloxifene for prevention in postmenopausal women, and said research funding comes from government grants and donations. “The donations given are so gratefully received by patients and medical providers,” Lyke said.

Lyke also cited local philanthropic activity: she said the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation has raised more than $42,000,000 over 25 years through its Celebrating Women luncheon to advance the fight against breast cancer in North Texas. She closed by urging support and expressing gratitude to the court for the opportunity to speak.

A commissioner thanked Lyke for her advocacy and noted personal experience with family loss to cancer. The court took no formal action on the comments; they were received during the public-comment portion of the meeting.