October 07, 2009

Applegate joins local survivors in a celebration of Denim Day

Christina Applegate had a question Friday after she was presented a key to the city: "What does it open?

Applegate, appearing in the Power & Light District's Live block, then turned to the crowd before her. "I won't lock you guys out, I promise!"

The actress, 37, was here as an ambassador for Lee Jeans' National Denim Day, which the Merriam-based company calls one of the country's biggest one-day fundraisers for breast cancer. Applegate, with the help of 10 local breast cancer survivors ("my sisters in boobs"), unfurled a check for $4.5 million. That brings the Denim Day total over 14 years to about $80 million.

Early detection is a cause close to Applegate's heart. She had a double mastectomy last year after cancer was found in a breast. "I'm alive because of an MRI," she told the Power & Light audience.

Part of the money raised for Denim Day helps her launch a foundation for women at high risk of breast cancer.

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