Miami-Dade County is proud to have one of CNN's Hometown Heroes making a big difference in the lives of so many women in our community. Andrea Ivory is one of only 10 people nationwide competing for ''CNN Hero of the Year''. The winner will be announced by Anderson Cooper on Thanksgiving night. I want to encourage everyone to please vote for Andrea Ivory for CNN Hero of the Year.

No matter the outcome of CNN's hometown hero contest, Andrea is already a winner in our book. After beating her own bout with breast cancer, Andrea founded the Florida Initiative for Breast Health. She recruited a team of volunteers and began going door to door in disadvantaged neighborhoods to raise awareness of breast cancer and offer free or low cost screenings.

Andrea and her team have knocked on more than 20,000 doors. She also formed a partnership with Jackson Memorial Hospital for use of its mobile mammography van. So far, more than 500 free mammograms have been performed. Thanks to Andrea and Jackson Hospital, lives are being saved.

Everyone in our community - no matter what your talent or skill - can help make a difference. Are you involved? I recently launched a new communitywide volunteer movement called “V.” This volunteer movement draws on the collective efforts of government, business and the community to make Miami-Dade County a better place to live.

Like Andrea Ivory, you too can make your hometown a better place to live and feel great about doing it. Get involved! Just go to www.IAMINVOLVED.org

To Andrea and to all volunteers - thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your efforts make our community a better place. Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Mayor Carlos Alvarez