It’s been 20 years since a powerful group of girlfriends came together to honor their beloved friend, Francine, who passed away from breast cancer.
Mary Ann Ziembo, Sharon Eisbart, Glynda Harris, Donna Emley and Sharon Simmons wanted to have an event and raise money for a program that provided mammograms in the community. But everything changed when a physician mentioned he’d been trying to bring a mobile mammography unit to the area. Lightbulbs went off!
In 2005, the five friends held a community event and, after partnering with Parkview Health and the Breast Diagnostic Center (BDC), raised enough to purchase a used, refurbished coach. Their goal was simple: To remove barriers to the screening that could lead to the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer for others.
The program
Francine’s Friends Mobile Mammography coach brings 3D screening mammograms to northeast Indiana, offering convenience and privacy for this important screening test, which takes only 15 minutes.
The interior of the 40-foot-long motor coach is designed for complete privacy. Radiologic technologists from BDC staff the coach, which is furnished with the same FDA-approved and Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA)-approved 3D equipment as the stationary sites of the BDC. Board-certified breast-imaging radiologists from FWRadiology interpret the exams.
Passing the baton
By 2014, the original founders were ready to take a step back and slow down. They handed the mission over to Parkview, with the understanding that Francine’s legacy would remain at the core of the work.
“It’s almost as if it went from one group of friends to another,” Denise Andorfer, director, the Parkview Health Foundation, said. “We’re up for the task and any challenges. We can only hope we’re as tenacious and resourceful as the founders.”
The new leadership also included a new coach, with beautiful wallpaper, provided and handpicked by Vera Bradley co-founder Barbara Bradley Baekgaard.
Why it matters
“People are busy,” Dr. Patricia Clark, MD, said. “They don’t want to interrupt their lives or have something be the turning event. Mobile mammography in regions like this, where there’s a lot of outlying, small towns and people who don’t have transportation is a game changer.” She emphasized that, “One in 8 women are going to get breast cancer. I see patients who eat clean, exercise, do everything right, have no family history. But it doesn’t matter. If you have breasts, you’re at risk.”
Two decades into their mission, Francine’s friends have helped so many women. Knowing they made a difference, makes it all worth it. But more than anything, they know that their friend is looking down and smiling at a job well done.
Learn more
Francine’s Friends is partially funded through donations to the Parkview Health Foundation. Learn more about how you can contribute to this important work here.
Read more about the coach and request the mobile unit at a location by visiting us here. Call 260-483-1847 to schedule a mammogram with Francine's Friends. Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability.
For more about the importance of cancer screenings, visit www.ShowUpForThem.com.
