Have you ever loved someone so much it hurts? Now, imagine that love that one day you get a call that they have a disease that will eventually take them from you? My friend Sandi has stage 4 breast cancer. She is the sister of my heart and someone I love with all of my being. What she thought was recurrent pain from a car accident a few years prior was breast cancer that has mestastized. Her fight has had me on edge for two years, always praying and lifting her in healing.
Her cancer will never go away.
I don’t like to think about her prognosis. It brings me to my knees in pain, knowing I can’t take care of her from 500 miles away.
It feels as if it’s all about numbers. Right now? 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. I’m no a gambler, but those aren’t numbers I like. They suck.
That’s why I support Breast Cancer Awareness Month and my local team, Charlotte Radiology.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, Charlotte Radiology’s “Pink Ladies” will be strutting about town educating women about breast cancer prevention. These eight pink-body-suit-adorned women (one in white and 7 in pink) represent the fact that 1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer in her lifetime.
Charlotte Radiology will launch a “1-in-8” breast cancer awareness campaign featuring a series of interactive educational and promotional events throughout October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative derives its name from the statistic that one in eight women is affected by breast cancer. Designed to ensure that women understand the importance of annual screenings that save lives, the campaign includes partnerships with area businesses and nonprofits as well as access to comprehensive resources on breast health.
“We are committed to increasing the number of women who get their annual mammograms and work year-round to educate our community,” said Shawna Platé, breast services marketing manager. Our “1-in-8” project promotes the seriousness of early cancer detection, while also providing some fun events and giveaways that rally support and awareness.”
Complementing the planned events and programs, Charlotte Radiology has refreshed its cancer awareness website –www.beatcancercr.com – to include more tools that help women access resources and information. The website also contains the latest information about “1-in-8” events. “We continue to add events daily and encourage women to get the most up-to-date information from the site,” said Platé.
Community Collaborates on 1-in-8 Events
Again this year, Charlotte Radiology and the Junior League of Charlotte are collaborating to educate the greater community. Charlotte Radiology’s “1-in-8 Pink Ladies” will adorn the Junior League Warehouse storefront throughout the month of October.
The eight mannequins – dressed in full body suits (seven pink and one white) – will call attention to the fact that one woman in eight will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
Informational literature about breast health will be available to shoppers, and an educational event will be held at 6 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 18. Dr. Laura Danile from Charlotte Radiology will speak about breast health, early detection and the importance of screening mammograms beginning at age 40. The public is invited and reservations are not required.
Charlotte Radiology has also teamed up with 107.9 the Link on various events that raise awareness while also benefitting the Levine Cancer Institute’s Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund, which helps to provide mammograms to uninsured women. Many of the collaborating businesses are also offering themed “1-in-8” specials. Scheduled promotions and events to date include:
· Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry: Will offer $88 off of Whitening and/or $888 off of Invisalign during the month of October with portion of the proceeds benefiting the Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund.
· NASCAR SpeedPark: Will donate proceeds from every $8 wristband purchased during the month of October to Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund.
· Painting with a Twist: Will offer $8 off the regular price each Wednesday night. Join the Link’s Kelly McKay on Wed., Oct. 26; $8 from each painting will be donated to Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund
· Acosta Heating and Cooling: Will donate $8 from each October invoice to Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund.
· Three Way Plumbing: Will donate $8 from each October invoice to Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund. Technicians will provide customers with Breast Exam Shower cards.
About Charlotte Radiology Breast Center
Charlotte Radiology, established in 1967, is one of the largest radiology groups in the country. It operates 12 breast center locations, serving more than 100,000 women per year. For more information: www.charlotteradiology.com To learn more about the mobile breast center or to schedule a visit for your business or organization, please visit www.charlotteradiology.com/
Lisa is a lifestyle blogger, writer and social media strategist living in Charlotte, NC. 
