The best defense against cancer in women is regular checkups and screenings to detect the killer disease early enough for successful treatment.
But what if women can't afford those check-ups or have no place to go to receive them? The Klabzuba Cancer Center at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth will take the resources to them with mobile health units in Tarrant and surrounding counties.
The Puttin" on the Pink Fashion Luncheon - now in its 21st year - has raised more than $3.7 million to support that outreach to underserved women in the community.
"I am very passionate about helping other women in the community and believe that Puttin" on the Pink is a wonderful organization that works very hard to help the women in our community," said Amy Yudiski, director of charities at Shale Exploration, co-chair of this year's event with Diane Ayres of Fort Worth, Texas magazine.
The luncheon is scheduled for April 3 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, beginning with a champagne reception at 10:30 a.m. The luncheon and fashion presentation by Neiman Marcus begins at 11:30 a.m. The program features a special runway walk by cancer survivor models.
Presenting sponsor Sewell Infiniti of Fort Worth and Sewell Lexus of Fort Worth has underwritten the cost of a vehicle raffle. The winner drawn at the luncheon may choose a 2014 Infiniti Q50 or a Lexus IS.
"I hope to raise money this year to help our mobile units and raise enough money to update the units that need to be updated," Yudiski said.
The mobile health units offer digital screening mammography, breast diagnostic services, well-woman exams and cervical cancer screenings, colon cancer screenings, bone density screenings and cardiovascular risk assessments. Sites for the units include community centers, churches, health care providers and businesses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that heart disease and cancer are the main causes of death among women of all races at 23.5 percent and 22.1 percent respectively. No. 3 - stroke - isn't even close at 6.2 percent.
To purchase tables or tickets or for more information about Puttin" on the Pink, visit texashealth.org/pop or call 682.236.5249.
