Carilion Clinic was presented with a check for $16,000 from Panera Bread to provide much needed screenings for women in the area through the Every Woman’s Life (EWL) program. EWL, a federally funded program through the Virginia Department of Health, helps women who are low-income and uninsured or underinsured to be screened for breast and cervical cancer.
“We are so grateful for this donation and for the support of our community. It’s increasingly difficult to fund programs such as this, and more women have come to depend on and need the services that EWL provides,” said Kathy Womack, R.N., Every Woman’s Life coordinator.
Carilion Clinic, Panera Bread and Valley View Mall (CBL Properties) began a partnership in the fall of 2008 with the Positively Pink Parade & Party a celebration of life for breast cancer survivors, their families and supporters. Additionally, Q-99 and Fox21/27 support the cause through ongoing involvement in the planning and promotion of the event.
“Panera Bread is committed to serving the members of the local community, many of whom have had their lives touched by breast cancer,” said Allie Munsey with Panera Bread. “We are honored to support women in our area that are in need of this valuable service.”
Funds for EWL were raised through the sales of Pink Ribbon bagels, “power of pink” awareness rings and personal donations matched by Panera Bread during Breast Cancer Awareness month. The money raised will allow Carilion Clinic to provide more screening services for women who qualify for the EWL program.
For more information about the EWL program, please visit www.vahealth.org/breastcancer.
