Celebration of Life event raised $17,000

Organizers of this year's Winneshiek County Celebration of Life fundraiser say they event raised more than $17,000 for free mammogram screenings for underinsured or uninsured women in the area.

According to Margaret Walter, "Over the past twelve years the Celebration of Life has helped more than 650 women receive support, mammogram screenings, and money to help fight the disease. This year, because of the support we receive from businesses and individuals, we'll be able to continue to provide the mammogram screenings and cancer education to women in our area."

American Cancer Society reports that breast cancer strikes one in eight women over a lifetime and is the second leading cancer killer among women in the United States.  The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 40,000 will die.  The American Cancer Society recommends women should begin yearly mammogram screenings at the age of forty or earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer, or as recommended by their health care provider.  

All proceeds from the Celebration of event will go toward promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection of disease through education and financial support of preventive and screening services.
 
Free mammogram screenings will be offered in November at both Winneshiek Medical Center and Gundersen Lutheran – Decorah Clinic. Women who are uninsured or underinsured can qualify for a free screening at WMC. The application is a simple one-page form that is based on insurance deductibles, income, number of persons in the household and eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid, to name a few. For instance, if you are uninsured you may qualify, or if you're in a household of 4 with an income of $66,000 or less annually, or a single woman with an income of $32,490 or less, or with an insurance deductible of $5,000 or more, you may qualify. Women age 40 and older should apply; the form is conveniently located at www.winneshiekcol.com or www.winmedical.org or www.gundluth.org/Decorah. Applications for the free screenings are also available at Margaret's Clothing Store, Winneshiek Medical Center, Gundersen Lutheran – Decorah Clinic, deadline is October 24, 2011.

For more information, visit www.winneshiekcol.com or phone Margaret at Margaret's clothing in Decorah 563-382-8208.