According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in eight women who live to be age 70 will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
That's the bad news. The good news, though, is breast cancer's mortality rate has been declining since 1989 due to early detection and advances in treatment.
Mammograms are an essential component of early detection of breast cancer. That's why for the past 15 years, the Russellville Fire Department has held a t-shirt fundraiser to support Russellville Hospital's Firemen's Fund.
The Firemen's Fund is used to pay for mammograms, at no cost, to those who are uninsured and have no other resources to pay for the screening.
Last Tuesday, several RFD firemen present Russellville Hospital CEO Chris Ware with a $2,000 check for the Firemen's Fund.
Women who are interested in applying for a no-cost mammogram should visit the Russellville Hospital business office to begin the application process.
Ware said he's appreciative of the support each year from the Russellville Fire Department that's allowed more than 200 women to receive free mammograms.
“Because of the cost, some people miss out and could die because they never have testing or screening for breast cancer. We are very appreciative of the Russellville Fire Department's support,” Ware said.
The department's annual t-shirt sale has become a Russellville tradition that generates excitement each year to see the new design. Shirt orders are made starting at the Franklin County Watermelon Festival in August and run through September. The shirts, which are pink to be themed with Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October.
RFD Sgt. Grant Tarascou coordinates the t-shirt fund raiser each year. Deputy Chief Randy Seal said it's important for residents to know funds raised through t-shirt sales stay right here in Russellville.
“We're proud to raise money for such a good cause that benefits people right here in our community,” Seal said. “We appreciate the support received each year with the t-shirt sales.”
