Gather women who are motivated to bring awareness to early breast cancer screening and place them at a venue with twenty-two acres of rolling hills, food trucks, live music, a fashion show and then place a glass of rosé in their hands and you’ve got an event that’s sure to be a good time! That’s exactly what occurred in October for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Rosé Party for breast cancer awareness. Not only was this event their largest, with 180 people attending, but it successfully raised over $12,000 for breast cancer screenings to be offered to underserved women in our area!
The RoséParty started several years ago with the first event taking place at a restaurant in Winston-Salem, raising around $600. As the years went on, the Rosé Party continued to grow, even through a pandemic, to get to where it is today. Through the determination and vision of 5 committee members, the support of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging department, Medaloni Cellars, Forsyth Woman Magazine and Style Encore, this year’s donations will cover over 60 mammograms for women in the area who need early screening but do not have the insurance or funds to cover the costs.
Early breast cancer detection can radically change the outcome of a woman’s life and that is the goal of this committee. Catching breast cancer in a pea-sized form can save lives. Through funds raised, local clinics can offer free mammograms when they recognize someone needs one but is unable to pay. Clinics reach out to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s outpatient imaging department to let them know they have someone that could benefit from these donations.
Brenda Bronk, Director of Center Operations at Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging, stated that she was amazed by the support from the community this year. Being the first year back in person since the pandemic, they had a goal of $7,500 and through the generous community, they surpassed their goal! In addition to Style Encore providing a fashion show during the event, there was also a silent auction where local businesses and radiology staff donated goods and services, with the proceeds going towards free mammograms. There was also a mammogram tree. If an individual donated $186, which is the cost of a mammogram, they were able to receive an ornament from the Mammogram tree signifying an entire mammogram donated. “It was an amazing evening, and it was great to see our community come together and show support for breast cancer awareness“ stated Brenda.
It is recommended that women 40 years and older begin receiving annual mammograms to help with early detection. If someone is at higher risk of breast cancer, the age may be earlier. If you or someone you know needs to have a mammogram, you can call Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging department to get an appointment at 336-765-5722 or schedule online at wakehealth.edu/mammogram. They have offices in Winston-Salem and Kernersville, and coming summer of 2024, there will be an office in Greensboro. Early detection saves lives. Schedule your annual mammogram soon!
