AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci on Monday ceremonially signed a bill to create a specialty license plate to support breast cancer services in Maine. Surrounded by legislators and advocates, the governor congratulated Rep. Meredith Strang Burgess, R-Cumberland, who sponsored the bill and is a breast cancer survivor herself.

The Pink Plate becomes available Oct. 1. According to Strang Burgess, proceeds from the sale of the plate will support the work of the Maine Cancer Foundation, the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition and the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program.

Baldacci said a diagnosis of breast cancer affects not only the patient but also a much larger circle of family and friends.

“Still far too many women and families are impacted by breast cancer, and a diagnosis of breast cancer is traumatic in itself, let alone the treatment.”