Introduced by Sen. Joe Crisco, D-17, of Woodbridge, co-chair of the state's Insurance and Real Estate Committee, the bill requires that effective October 1, all mammography reports include information about a woman's breast density.

Five years ago, just weeks after having a "normal" mammogram, Dr. Cappello was diagnosed with stage 3c breast cancer.

She became an activist after learning that because of the density of her breast tissue, mammography alone was insufficient as a diagnostic tool.

Since then, she founded Are You Dense, an organization dedicated to informing the public about dense breast tissue and its significance in the early detection of breast cancer.

She and her husband also worked with the state Legislature to pass a law in 2006 requiring insurance companies to cover ultrasound screening as a supplement to mammography for women with dense breast tissue.

Dr. Cappello's website, www.areyoudense.org, exposes what she calls the "Best Kept Secret," spreading the word that while mammography detects 98 percent of cancers in women with fatty breasts, it finds only 48 percent of tumors in women with the densest breasts.

Some two-thirds of premenopausal women and one-quarter of post-menopausal women have dense breast tissue. The addition of a single screening ultrasound increases detection of breast cancers that are small and node negative.

Ramona Harrison, vice president of Are You Dense, welcomed guests to the July 27 get-together, noting that the event was also in celebration of the recent designation of Are You Dense as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

"It's really exciting to see the donations come in," she said.

Invited guests at the gathering included Sen. Crisco, board members of Are You Dense, and others who have supported the organization's mission.

"It warms my heart to see you all here," said Dr. Cappello, who retired July 1 from the state Department of Education.

Dr. Cappello thanked all those who helped, and in particular, Sen. Crisco, whom she called instrumental in the passage of this bill.

"He's not even from my district," she said, "but he's a hero to me."

Sen. Crisco noted that the passage of the two bills is proof that "the process works."

"I was honored to be a part of that with Nancy and Joe," he said. "The Insurance Committee listened to our proposal and we got the job done. It signifies that good things are getting done in Hartford."

Sen. Crisco and Dr. Cappello each noted that the work doesn't end with the passage of the bill.

"The critically important thing for survival of this dreaded disease is early detection," said Dr. Cappello. "This is not just a Connecticut issue. We want to get the word out nationally."

Guests also heard details about MusicFest, an all-day, live music event set for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, September 12, at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury.

A benefit for Are You Dense, MusicFest will feature performances by more than a dozen musical acts, including The New Rascals, featuring original band members Dino Danelli and Gene Cornish, performing their hits "Groovin'," "Good Lovin'" and more.

Also performing will be 16-year-old jazz phenom Vincent Ingala, who wowed guests at the July 27 gathering.

Tickets for MusicFest, which include the music festival, an all-day ride pass, parking and tickets for food and drink, are $35 for adults and $20 for children ages 4 to 12, if purchased in advance at the Palace Theater Box Office, at Canfield Corner Pharmacy on Main Street North or by credit card at www.areyoudense.org.

Children age 3 and younger will be admitted free.

Tickets purchased at the door will be $45 for adults, $25 for children 4 to 12.

Those seeking additional information may call 203-263-0867, e-mail JCappello@areyoudense.org or visit www.areyoudense.org.