By Dana Davis
Reporter, Carbon County Comet
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the North Platte Valley Medical Center (NPVMC) held a vibrant event known as the “Pink Party” on Wednesday. The event served a dual purpose; to raise funds for the Corbett Medical Foundation and to shed light on the importance of breast cancer screening and awareness in the community.
Jeff Mincy, Chief Executive Officer of NPVMC, expressed the significance of the occasion, stating, “We have a local fund through the Corbett Medical Foundation that pays for mammograms for uninsured women. All of the money tonight is going to that foundation. All local money will be used for all local women who don’t have insurance to be able to get free screening mammograms.” He emphasized that this initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to mammograms, especially for women who are uninsured.
The Pink Party was an engaging and entertaining affair, with a range of activities to keep attendees engaged. One particularly fun game involved bouncing a ping-pong ball into bedazzled bras that were up for auction, adding a whimsical touch to the event. A silent auction featured items generously donated by local businesses, including paintings, gift certificates, a concealed carry purse, and various other enticing items. Importantly, winners did not need to be present to claim their prizes, ensuring that community members could participate and contribute.
The event also featured a video platform with spinning elements and a delightful array of pink-themed accessories for attendees to enjoy.
Additionally, a decorated pumpkin contest was held, allowing participants to express themselves creatively while contributing to the cause with a $10 donation.
Among the highlights of the event were informative sessions on breast health. Tammy Lane provided valuable insights on lymphedema, a condition that can occur after breast surgery. She discussed various treatment options, including exercise, bandages, and massage therapy, offering a resource to those seeking guidance on managing this condition safely.
Furthermore, Jolena Martin taught attendees how to perform self-examinations for breast lumps, emphasizing the importance of early detection and self-awareness in breast health.
Mincy shared a striking statistic, revealing that 65% of women in the Valley have not undergone mammograms, despite being eligible and having referrals from their physicians. One of NPVMC’s key goals is to make breast cancer screenings more accessible to these women, as they have already discovered cases of cancer and saved lives since opening their doors.
Under the Affordable Care Act, mammograms are considered a preventive screening for women over 40 and are covered at 100% by commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. However, the Pink Party focused on raising funds to support women who do not have insurance and lack access to these crucial screenings.
Mincy encouraged ongoing support for the Corbett Medical Foundation mammogram fund, emphasizing that donations would continue to be accepted at the NPVMC. Every contribution counts toward improving breast health and saving lives within the community.
