Above: Tracy Chew, 26, gets fitted for a wedding gown with the help of a volunteer at the Brides Against Cancer event. The charity wedding gown sale donated proceeds to grant wishes to terminal ill breast cancer patients. Photo by Winyan Soo Hoo
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Above: Staff of the GW Mammovan and representatives from Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation. Courtesy of the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As way to creatively fight and prevent the disease that affects more than 1.2 million people worldwide, a variety of non-profit groups held different events around the metropolitan area for women.

The Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation (CRPF) partnered with the George Washington University Medical to offer, “Mammovan.” The project recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary, helping women receive screening tests to maintain good breast health.

The CRPF-supported Mammovan screened thousands women since its launch in 1996, and boasts of a highly-trained staff that assists in early detection. They diagnosed more than 73 individuals with breast cancer in the past few years. According to CFPF’s Valerie Lambros, each patient receives treatment and follow-up, regardless of her health insurance or ability to pay.

“The Mammovan makes it possible for women to get a digital mammogram close to home or work, and ensures these women will receive the maximum amount of care they need,” Lambros said. “There are few programs out there that will go to such great lengths to reach our most vulnerable populations as this one does and we are proud to back this program.”

            The van will steer its way around all different locations in the metropolitan area. Scheduling information is available online at: http://www.preventcancer.org/events/mammovan_event_schedule.pdf

In the Asian American community, the van stopped over a number of churches: Northern Virginia Korean Presbyterian, Seoul Presbyterian, Korean Church in Vienna, VA Korean Baptist, McLean Korean Presbyterian and the First United Korean Methodist Church in Falls Church.

Each month, the Mammovan also provides mammograms to participants of CRPF’s ¡Celebramos la Vida! outreach program at the Spanish Catholic Center.

After entering the van, each woman undergoes a 15-minute mammogram performed by a licensed female technician. Tests are developed on-board, and Lambros said they can send results in 10 working days.

On another side of town, a charity bridal gown sale donated thousands of dollars to Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. The event, “Brides Against Breast Cancer,” will also be held in Washington, D.C. and Virginia later in the year. The money used to purchase gowns, which are at discounted prices, go toward the foundation's “Dream Fulfillment Fund.” Proceeds grant wish requests to those suffering from the terminal illness. In the past, the foundation helped send patients to Disneyland and other exciting locales. They have also provided other desired wishes – similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Maryland resident Tracy Chew bought her $800 delicately beaded wedding dress after hearing about the event from her fiancé Michael Stone. Chew said she understands the cause, and is honored to make someone’s dream come true.  

“Although I’ve never been diagnosed with breast cancer, I have had a tumor that had to be removed,” Chew said. “The threat of having breast cancer was pretty traumatic. So, I want to do what I can to help people who actually do have cancer.”

Chew found her dress in the first hour of her visit.

“Everyone was right – people said that when I try on the ‘one,’ I would know it right away … and I did,” Chew said. “I couldn’t stop smiling.”