Womankind voucher programs offers support for breast health care

Over 40,000 lives are taken by breast cancer in the U.S. each year. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up in October, Womankind wants to remind the community to take charge of their breast health, and together with Zonta, Susan G. Komen Foundation, the State of Florida Monroe County Health Department, and Womankind’s Breast Health Coordinator Ginny Barr, they make it easy and affordable to do just that.

Barr makes appointments for patients, logs and tracks tests ordered, calls patients with their results, and if further testing is recommended, navigates them through that process, discussing what is needed, where testing is done, test costs, and what the patient is able to pay, she explains.

“Without this financial assistance, many of our patients would be unable to have these life-saving tests,” says Barr.

This year alone, 474 patients have utilized Womankind’s special voucher program for mammogram screenings (funded by Zonta), diagnostic breast tests (funded in part by Susan G. Komen Foundation), and for women over 50, the County’s Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Nine of those patients were diagnosed with cancer.

“Getting screened regularly via mammograms, remembering your yearly doctor’s exam, and being aware of any changes in your breasts can help women detect the disease as early as possible, when it’s most treatable,” says Barr.

Help support these important programs by attending Womankind BraZaar, their annual gala fundraiser set for Thursday, October 17, from 7pm-10pm at Key West Theatre. A light-hearted take on a serious topic, this year’s “Big Top Bash” is crowd-engaging, high-energy live auction featuring one-of-a-kind decorated bras modeled by Womankind supporters, with a dazzling ringmaster of ceremonies who will introduce the models in their bras and ensembles, along with circus-style performances and games between auction presentation. There will be spectacular surprises, hilarious booby prizes, a pre-auction welcome of sweet treats and libations and an online silent auction of additional decorated bra designs that launches Friday, October 11. Every dollar raised is used to help make breast health care accessible to all.

Tickets are $30 for general admission and $50 for preferred seating and can be purchased at thekeywesttheater.com. For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Mel at [email protected] or call Womankind at 305-294-4004.

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