October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States after skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. In 2023, an estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and approximately 2,800 new cases 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 is bringing hope to individuals facing 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 is dedicated to providing the best treatment options available.
Philanthropy helps make this possible by providing critical funding for research, education, and outreach programs that ensure access to breast health services. In recent months, several community partners have played a role in improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing for patients at Atrium Health:
Raising a Glass for Project PINK
Charlotte Radiology helped kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting its 12th Annual Pink Pint Night in partnership with NoDa Brewing Company. The event raises critical funds for Project PINK to provide women across Greater Charlotte access to potentially life-saving mammogram screenings.
Thanks to generous corporate sponsors, attendees, and donors who participated in the online auction, this year’s event raised over $60,000 for Project PINK!
Local Soccer Teams “Celebrate the Tatas”
Celebrate the Tatas hosted its 10th Annual Tournament of Champions on October 7-8. It was the largest tournament to date with 16 women’s soccer teams competing while raising funds for community mammogram screenings. With support from presenting sponsor North Carolina Adult Soccer Association, players, and generous donors, Celebrate the Tatas surpassed its fundraising goal with $27,500 directly going to Project PINK. Special thanks to event chair and co-founder Talia Goldman for spearheading the cause.
Tickled Pink is Fashionably Forward
On October 19, Atrium Health Union hosted its annual Tickled Pink to support local breast cancer education and detection. Nearly 200 people attended the signature event, which included a fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors. Thanks to attendees, sponsors, and individual donors, Tickled Pink raised over $70,000, helping to provide free screening mammograms for women in Union and surrounding counties.
Since 2009, Atrium Health Union’s Tickled Pink program, part of Levine Cancer’s Project PINK, has served over 1,500 patients.
Marc Kantor Serves an Ace for Breast Cancer Research
Tennis professional Marc Kantor has been busy raising money for the Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund at Levine Cancer. During the week of October 23-29, he is donating half of his tennis lesson earnings at Raintree Country Club and collecting community donations. He is well on his way to meeting his $10,000 fundraising goal. To support his efforts, visit his personal fundraising page. All donations stay local to support oncology research and patient care in the Greater Charlotte area.
Sun City Community Goes PINK
For years, residents at Sun City Carolina Lakes have remained steadfast in their mission to improve breast cancer education and detection. Located in Indian Land, SC, the close-knit community’s Sun City P.I.N.K. Group recently hosted multiple fundraisers for Project PINK. From a MahJongg tournament and luncheon, which was attended by close to 150 people, to an annual neighborhood pink ribbon sale and in-store fundraiser at Wine Cellar, the Sun City residents are helping to ensure women in the community have access breast cancer detection and education.
Running for Women’s Wellness
On October 7, community members hit the pavement at Frank Liske Park in Concord for The Journey 5K, hosted by The Journey Collective Inc. The annual event was established in honor of founder Kiya Ward Shears’ mother, who died of breast cancer in 2016. This year’s participants helped raise over $28,000 for local beneficiaries, including Levine Cancer, to support the fight against breast cancer.
Players Unite to KICK OUT CANCER
On October 12, Charlotte Women’s Soccer hosted KICK OUT CANCER, a special match benefiting the Carolinas Breast Cancer Fund at Atrium Health Levine Cancer. The team hosted the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at Transamerica Field, where the UNC Charlotte 49ers jumped out to an early lead and held on to win 3-0. Thanks to the team and fans who donated, Levine Cancer will continue to advance breast cancer research and education.
Breast Cancer Survivors Paint the Wall Pink
Levine Cancer recently sponsored two Breast Cancer Awareness Month events: Paint the Wall Pink, where volunteers paint the Charlotte Motor Speedway pit road pink, and NASCAR’s Drive for the Cure 250.
Two patients, Patrice Bidgood and Destiny Medlin, represented Atrium Health Levine Cancer at the festivities. Both women are breast cancer survivors and proud advocates of breast cancer awareness. Click here to read their stories.