October 26, 2020 | By Atrium Health Foundation | In Contributor News
The DeAngelo Williams Foundation has made a $30,000 gift to fund free mammography screening days for uninsured and under-insured women through Levine Cancer Institute: Project PINK. The gift is part of the “53 Strong for Sandra” initiative, established in memory of DeAngelo’s mother, Sandra Hill, who passed away from breast cancer at age 53. Prior to his mother’s passing, Williams also lost four aunts to the disease, all under the age of 50. As a result, the mission of LCI: Project PINK is very important to the former Carolina Panther and his wife and Executive Director, Risalyn Williams.
The first of two sponsored screening events took place on Thursday, August 6 at Project 658 and provided free mammography screenings for 21 patients. In addition to breast screenings, each patient received important breast health and COVID-19 education, information about free COVID-19 testing, a face mask for each member of their household, hand sanitizer and other community resources. Additionally, six families were provided groceries and vitamins in partnership with Project 658 and four patients were referred to the LUNG Bases 4 Life Program for free lung screenings.
Tonya and Marcia, both LCI: Project PINK patients, shared their own messages of thanks to The DeAngelo Williams Foundation and everyone who made the event possible:
Tonya Woods’ battle with breast cancer began due to findings from a routine, life-saving Project PINK screening. Now a breast cancer survivor, Tonya returned for her routine follow-up visit with Project PINK. Tonya shared how appreciative she is to Charlotte Radiology and Levine Cancer Institute for helping her with financial struggles while she was out of work and going through chemotherapy treatment. Tonya is relieved to know that resources such as Project PINK are available to her, especially after her first diagnosis. It is important to her to have routine follow ups, and she recommends LCI: Project PINK to all of her friends and family when discussing prevention.
“I really liked the kindness of how they treated me and how they brought out confidence that they could help me with any questions that I had. I am very grateful for the way all the ladies treated me. The Project PINK Program is an incredible service that is being provided for those of us who can’t afford a mammogram and do not have insurance. This was my first time getting a mammogram, and I had a great experience. I would tell other ladies that they should get their mammogram because it is important for us women to take care of our own health. Even if you don’t feel anything on your breasts or have any pain, this is a great preventative service, and it is necessary for our well-being,” shared Marcia Garcia Ramirez, LCI: Project PINK patient.
Currently, Project PINK is one of Levine Cancer Institute’s most pressing funding needs. With the number of uninsured women climbing due to COVID related job loss, combined with a lack of other screening resources, donations to the Project PINK Fund are critical now more than ever to continue supporting the growing need for mammography screenings. To make a gift to the Project PINK Fund, visit this website.
About Levine Cancer Institute: Project PINK: Established in 2011, LCI: Project PINK has become a trusted and vital community resource for underinsured and uninsured women in need of life-saving mammography screenings. In partnership with Charlotte Radiology, the program’s state-of-the-art mobile breast center travels throughout the Greater Charlotte community offering free screenings in a convenient, compassionate environment.