Post by Admin on Oct 23, 2017 13:30:23 GMT -8
Alexis DeJoria Racing's annual "Free Mammograms for the Fans" program has provided more than 440 free mammography screenings since 2013. Now in its fifth year, the program is on track to reach a major milestone in 2017: 500 free screenings.
Support from The Patrón Spirits Company, Toyota, Global Electronic Technology and Kalitta Motorsports, has enabled Alexis DeJoria Racing to once again partner with Nevada Health Centers (NVHC) and bring its mobile mammography unit (mammovans) to the NHRA Toyota Nationals this weekend.
From Friday through Sunday, women ages 40 and older with an event ticket are able to attend the Las Vegas race and receive a free mammogram, regardless of health insurance status. Multiple sources cite lack of health insurance, high out-of-pocket costs and lack of access to care as the primary reasons women forgo this important yearly screening.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
The mobile mammography unit will also be on-site at NHRA Fan Fest at Fremont Street's 3rd Street Stage on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Pacific Time.
At age 59, Donna Wright elected to undergo her first mammography screening while attending the 2016 AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.
"I have always considered myself to be a healthy person, so I never saw any need to get screened," said Wright, adding, "But the weather was not that great, the races were delayed, Baylor was there and it was free, so I thought, 'What the heck. I'll do it.'"
Shortly after, Wright received her results in the mail and was stunned to find she was now part of the statistic. Thankfully, because she was diagnosed early her surgeon told her she 'won the lottery' and was able to make a full recovery.
Alexis DeJoria, whose Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry Funny Car will be decked out with bright pink accents in honor of October's Breast Cancer Awareness month, encourages other women to follow Wright's lead.
"Early detection is key," DeJoria said. "Don't wait and don't be shy, ladies. Come out to the Las Vegas event and take advantage of this opportunity.
"We're so honored and grateful to be working with these amazing organizations and to be able to use our platform in the greater good for the fight against this horrible epidemic,' added DeJoria, who, as one of the few females in the male-dominated motorsports industry, felt compelled to do more than simply raise awareness for breast cancer and instead provide a direct service for the NHRA's female fan base.
Women who are interested in receiving a free screening while at the Dallas and Las Vegas races do not need a referral or to make an appointment. Mammograms are provided on a first come, first serve basis.
