Getting a mammogram is usually a stressful experience since you know you’ll have to endure inconvenience and worry while waiting for a positive outcome. Patients can finally let go of one stressor: expense, thanks to the efforts of a few generous and dedicated Villagers.
A charity performance was held at the Everglades Regional Recreation Complex on July 30 by the Hot Chicks With Tattoos (NOT) club. Jim Cole, Sheila Valastro and the Bad Habit band provided the entire evening’s entertainment with all revenues going to the free mammography program.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Mammogram Voucher Program at UF Health Leesburg Hospital offer free mammograms to anyone who might otherwise be unable to afford the treatment.
A total of nearly $3,000 was raised to benefit the hospital’s free mammography program. Upon watching her community join together again to raise money, group President Beverly Spangler said she couldn’t be more proud of them.
“If we save one life with early detection, then it’s worth all the efforts each of us spend helping men and women in need,” Spangler said. “This group, and The Villages overall, is filled with the most giving and compassionate people.”
Many members of the organization have been directly or indirectly afflicted by breast cancer.
The benefit, according to Spangler of the Village of DeSoto, was a warm-up for a larger gala the club will throw in October.
The benefit, according to Spangler of the Village of DeSoto, was a warm-up for a larger gala the club will throw in October.
The October event has been christened the “Pretty In Pink Gala” by Spangler and the club’s members, with the goal of raising more money to donate to the hospital in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The club has done modest fundraisers and saved money over the years in order to make a larger donation, and it also has forthcoming fundraising events.
The club planned a bra-decorating event in late August. The bras were gathered and kept so that gala attendees can vote on which bra they prefer.
The gifts from Hot Chicks and their campaigns, according to UF Health Leesburg Hospital Foundation President Erica Lebo, are a great support for the voucher program.
Lebo thanked the group for their prior donation of over $2,000, saying she couldn’t thank them enough.