OLD TOWN – A quilt raffle conducted by Race for the Cure team the Land Scouts raised $2,185 for the Komen Maine Race for the Cure. The quilt top was machine-pieced by Melissa Adams of Greenfield and machine-quilted by Sandy Boobar of Sandy’s Hideaway Quilts.

Diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer in April at age 37, Melissa Adams believes her team’s slogan, “Know the lay of your land; do self-breast exams.” She knows that annual mammograms and clinical exams are key in early detection of breast cancer. While mammograms can detect very early stages of breast cancer, before a lump has formed, the screening doesn’t always detect a lump, which was the case with her cancer.

Adams advises women to take an active role in their breast health and report any changes to their doctor. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women except for skin cancer.

Currently, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While the researchers are still unsure what causes breast cancer, risk factors include gender, aging and family history.

The Land Scouts team extended thanks to Creative Print Services, Whited Ford Auburn Truck Center and those who purchased tickets and made the raffle a success.

For additional information about cancer education, screening and treatment, visit www.komenmaine.com.