News

The Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group Donates $50000 for Diagnostic Tests

The Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group (VBCAG) is pleased to announce the creation of the GAP Fund - $50000 has been donated to the Sonnenalp Breast Diagnostic Imaging Center at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center for those who need additional diagnostic tests.

"Unlike donations that we have previously made that are spread over several years - we want the money to be used in one year" says Kristin Kenney Williams president of the VBCAG.

Williams continued: "We were shocked to learn that many women although insured for their annual mammogram are not following through with additional diagnostic tests - if found to be necessary - due to their deductible or the additional payment that might be required.

"These women might get that terrifying follow-up phone call saying 'we think we see something' but when they look to their insurance to their deductible most times they decide that the gap payment is too big. They then face the risk of waiting another year until their next mammogram which is covered by insurance."

Since announcing the donation at the group's 18th Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon on July 15 11 women have received monies from the Gap Fund.

Diagnostic breast imaging services include diagnostic mammography diagnostic breast ultrasound breast ultrasound biopsy stereotactic breast biopsy breast MRI biopsy breast needle localizations ductograms and cyst aspirations.

Since 1994 The Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group (VBCAG) has played a critical role in bringing support to those in Eagle County who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. To date they have raised over $1 million to fulfill its vision to fund those who fight this disease each day.

For information about the Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group please call (970) 479-8595 or go to vailbreastcancerawareness.org. For more information about the GAP Fund call the Sonnenalp Breast Center at (970) 569-7690.