Corporate and Community Partners Rally Behind Breast Cancer Initiatives at Levine Cancer Institute

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States after skin cancer.* Each year in the U.S., about 255,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,300 in men. Although breast cancer mostly occurs among older women, approximately 9% of all new cases in the U.S. are found in women younger than 45 years of age.

Through early detection and advanced treatment options, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute is bringing hope to patients diagnosed with the disease. With a world-class team that treats more breast cancer cases than anyone else in the region, as well as clinical trials and innovative programs, like The Sandra Levine Young Women’s Breast Cancer program, Levine Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing the best treatment options available.

Philanthropy helps makes this possible by providing critical funding for leading-edge research and outreach programs that ensure access to breast health services. In recent months, several corporate and community partners have played a role in improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing for patients at Atrium Health.

Levine Cancer Institute: Project PINK and Project PINK Plus

Levine Cancer Institute: Project PINK and Project PINK Plus were established to increase access to life-saving mammograms for uninsured women. Donations to the Project PINK Breast Cancer Fund allow for “Free Mammography Days” in underserved communities where the need is greatest. In partnership with Charlotte Radiology, the program’s state-of-the-art mobile breast center travels throughout the community offering free screenings in a convenient, compassionate environment.

Charlotte Radiology’s Pink Pint Night

On Thursday, September 30, Charlotte Radiology hosted its 10th Annual Pink Pint Night in partnership with NoDa Brewing Company. For a second consecutive year, the fundraiser took on a virtual format, with supporters having the chance to watch the program from home. Thanks to generous corporate sponsors and donors who participated in the online auction, the event ultimately raised over $60,000 for LCI: Project PINK!

Brasfield & Gorrie Underwrites a Free Screening Event

Across town on Thursday, September 30, LCI: Project PINK was stationed at Stratford Richardson YMCA, providing free mammography screenings for 24 women. Additionally, one patient was referred to the Lung B.A.S.E.S. 4 Life program and eight were referred to the FIT 4 Life program. This was the second screening event underwritten by Brasfield & Gorrie. Thanks to the company’s generous support, many patients felt a weight lifted off their shoulders.

During the event, one grateful patient shared, “Having insurance feels like a luxury these days, and it’s a luxury that I do not have. I don’t have insurance so programs like this are a lifeline – this is the only way I can get my mammogram. So many people don’t know that Project PINK exists, and they are extremely worried about their health, thinking there is no option.  Thank you for giving me an option. So very appreciative of this resource and to the sponsors who make this possible. I’m a caregiver, and it’s crazy to think that I can’t care for myself. Thank you for caring for me!”

Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions

Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions held its eighth and most successful tournament to date on October 2-3. The premier all-women’s soccer tournament had 11 teams competing this year with one unifying goal: to increase access to life-saving mammograms across the greater Charlotte region. Thanks to presenting sponsor North Carolina Adult Soccer Association (NCASA), this year’s players, and everyone who donated, Celebrate the Tatas reached its fundraising goal of $30,000, of which $15,000 will directly support LCI: Project PINK. Special thanks to event co-chairs Talia Goldman and Sandra Goldman for spearheading the cause!

Atrium Health Tickled Pink

Another program of Levine Cancer Institute, called Tickled Pink, is providing free and potentially life-saving mammograms, breast health education, and follow-up care for uninsured and underinsured women residing in Union County. The program also provides underserved patients undergoing cancer treatment with special needs support, such as transportation to medical appointments and one-time assistance with rent/mortgage and utility bills. In the past 13 years, Tickled Pink has provided over 1,000 free mammograms and detected 25 incidences of breast cancer. Watch the video below to learn more about this program: