A Journey to Provide Free Mammograms
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in January of 2020. And thankfully, my prognosis was good. I know that others aren’t as fortunate, so I felt a need to give back and help others in the same situation.”
And so began the 70-mile fundraising effort of Sue Murray, a public health nurse and breast cancer patient. Her goal was to raise $5,000 to support breast cancer screening and treatment services for uninsured or underinsured people on the northwest side of Chicago by walking four sections of the Cook County Forest Preserve over a 4-week period. According to Sue, “Many people may not have basic information on breast cancer screening and the benefits of early detection. They may not have access to quality health services in their community. They may be uninsured or underinsured. They may face linguistic, cultural, or other barriers that prevent them from seeking care. And I feel an obligation to support them.”
After researching numerous organizations and programs across the nations, she discovered the Breast Health Program at Swedish Hospital was the “perfect choice” to support her mission. Sue discovered that not only has Swedish Hospital’s Breast Health Program received funding and accolades from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, but it provides mammograms, diagnostic screenings and treatment to low-income, underinsured or uninsured patients, with special attention paid to linguistic and cultural barriers to care. In speaking to the staff, she was impressed that over the past year, the Breast Health program has provided over 1,100 mammograms and diagnostic screenings to their most vulnerable patients.
With this knowledge in hand, Sue set out on her hiking journey accompanied by many friends, family members and colleagues on different days. Overall, Sue was joined by 30 people from 3 different states and together, they walked over 75 miles and raised over $6,000 for the Breast Health Program.
Sue felt that organizing this event was part of her recovery; “Exercising for a cause, and engaging others was my passion, it was important and healing”. When asked what advice she would give to others thinking about organizing a fundraiser, Sue believes that you shouldn’t, “… underestimate the impact that you can have as one person; toss your net wide and let people show you that they are there to support not only YOU as an individual, but also a good cause.” To learn more about how you can support our numerous programs click here, or to create your own fundraiser please contact out office at (773) 293-5121 or foundation@swedishcovenant.org.