April 29, 2005

EDUCATOR AND CANCER ACTIVIST KATHY LaTOUR
RECEIVES 2005 MAURA AWARD FROM SMU APRIL 28

Kathy LaTour (center) with SMU President R. Gerald Turner and 2005 Maura Awards chair Tegwin Dyer Pulley (click image for high-resolution version).

DALLAS (SMU) -- Kathy LaTour, a longtime educator and activist for cancer survivors and their families, was honored with a 2005 Maura Award, presented by Southern Methodist University April 28 at the Pavilion at the Belo Mansion in Dallas.

Since surviving breast cancer almost 20 years ago, LaTour has committed herself to improving the lives of those affected by the disease. A senior lecturer in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at SMU, LaTour is active in cancer survivor efforts and support groups. She co-founded the Bridge Breast Center and the Dallas-area Gilda's Club, and in 1994 she wrote The Breast Cancer Companion. LaTour serves as editor-at-large of CURE, a magazine for cancer patients and survivors that she also co-founded. Recently CURE was nominated for a National Magazine Award by the American Society of Magazine Editors.

Established in 1978 by the Women's Center of Dallas, the annual Maura Awards recognize "those who have made extraordinary contributions to the success and wellbeing of women and children in the Dallas community."

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Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas with more than 10,000 students and offering degree programs through seven schools. More information about SMU is available at www.smu.edu.