Pink ribbons, shirts, campaigns, and pink parties are exponentially more visible in October: every year, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities, seeks to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research, and the signature color has been pink since the inception in 1985.
Early detection is key, as it’s associated with increased treatment options, survival, and improved quality of life. Locally, we’re lucky enough to have Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging year-round, and during October, their events that fund 3P – Positive Pink Power Fund.
“Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging started our 3P fund (Positive Pink Power) about 5 years ago,” said Brenda Bronk, Director of Center Operations. “We wanted to raise money to offer free mammograms to underserved communities in our area.” With that idea in mind, for the past few years, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging has hosted the popular Rosé @ Medaloni Cellars every October. While this year will be virtual, there is absolutely no shortage of fun or need.
First some of the fun: there will still be wine! Medaloni Cellars will be selling a Wine Bundle on their website for the entire month of October and a portion of the proceeds go to the 3P fund. Aside from the wine, there will be an online auction from October 4th – 8th. “Expect spa packages, overnight stays, Botox and filler specials, and lots more,” Brenda said. “Also, Forsyth Woman will be doing their Prize Board online from October 18th – 22nd with chances to win great gift cards from local businesses.” All the details will be shared on social media platforms as soon as they are available, so be on the lookout!
Proceeds from this month of events will go into the 3P fund to provide mammograms for women that cannot afford the screening. While health insurance generally covers the cost of preventative screenings, many local women are uninsured, and because of this, put off their screenings. Couple that with the staggering statistics that an estimated 41% of adults in the US have avoided medical care during the pandemic and since early 2020, breast cancer screens have reduced by 89%, and 3P becomes even more valuable in our community. “During the pandemic last year, there were about 6-8 weeks when screenings couldn’t be held,” said Brenda. “When we started again, people were scared and missed an entire year.”
In 2018, Rosé @ Medaloni Cellars brought in almost $5000 for the fund, and in 2019, nearly $6000. To put this in perspective, those funds help 35-38 women get the screening services they wouldn’t otherwise be able to have. “Over the years we’ve been offering free services through our 3P fund, several women have had a positive breast cancer finding,” said Brenda. “Despite all of the advances in technology, a woman’s best defense against breast cancers is still early detection.”
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging makes it easy to get scheduled for your annual screening mammogram. Serving Winston-Salem for the past 12 years, this conveniently located and accessible provider prides itself on being patient-centric. Starting with accessibility: they have two locations, Winston-Salem and Kernersville, and convenient hours to fit your busy schedule. Winston-Salem is open from 7:00 am to 6:30pm, and Kernersville is open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Working with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging allows them to bring the highest quality of care to patients in a comfortable outpatient setting. “People choose us because of our locations and we are billed at Outpatient Pricing. In a world of high deductibles, this is important to the patient,” said Brenda. “They pay less but still get the expertise of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging Specialty Radiologists reading their exams.” They offer imaging services that include MRI, CT, ultrasound, mammograms, bone density tests, and X-rays.
“We’re a ‘boutique like’ imaging center,” said Brenda. “From the phone call to schedule your exam, to walking into the lobby, then time with the tech performing the exam, a patient is greeted each time with a smile and a kind staff member to assist. We know patients may be anxious when visiting our center since they are coming to have imaging for medical reasons.”
Remember, stay tuned to social media for information about Rosé @ Medaloni and how you can join in the fun of the 3P fund! To make your own screening appointment, call the clinic directly at 336-765-5722. You can also visit the website and schedule your mammogram online at wakehealth.edu/pink or if you have a My Wake Health Account, you can schedule your annual screening on your account.
