This year marks the 10th year Illinois has offered residents the instant scratch-off game, which funds community and research grants to fight breast cancer and promote breast cancer awareness.

This program enables advocates to stand up and say they are committed to fighting breast cancer by helping fund research and treatment for the victims.

In 2005, then-Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) sponsored Senate Bill 1 to create the Ticket for the Cure, which was a democratic initiative with bipartisan support. This ticket marked the first time in US Lottery history where 100 percent of proceeds supported programs and research initiatives that would help diagnose and treat the deadly disease.

That means 100 percent of the funds raised from this initiative are awarded to not-for-profit institutes and organizations to help Illinois women and their families.

The Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure Grant Fund revenue is distributed to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Since 2006, the IDPH has awarded almost $7 million in grants to community organizations and approximately $2.5 million in breast cancer research grants.

"Leading this initiative has been one of my proudest accomplishments and one that has succeeded beyond our initial planning. I stand here today asking you to encourage your family, friends and neighbors to continue supporting this amazing cause by purchasing the Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure lottery tickets and to continue fighting breast cancer in other ways. Together we will find a cure," said Sen. Hunter.