Cancer program airs tonight

A special program on the impact of cancer in America airing tonight on all three major networks will hit home for many eastern New Mexico families.

Between 1995 and 2004, there have been 1,590 Curry County and 657 Roosevelt County residents diagnosed with new cancer cases, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

“Stand Up to Cancer” is a project produced by the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a non-profit group of entertainers, philanthropists and broadcasters trying raise public awareness and funding for cancer research.

Shannon Perry of Clovis and her family plan to watch the show.

Perry’s son, 9-year-old Jordan Perry, has been receiving treatment at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center for five years.