Gather for the Cure raises funds for mammogram vouchers

MercyOneGenesis and the MercyOne Genesis Health Services Foundation are hosting the fourth annual Gather for the Cure on Saturday, October 19 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Scott County Park, 18850 270 ^th Street in Eldridge, at the Whispering Pines Indoor Shelter.

Highlights of the event include:

• One-mile walk beginning at 11 a.m.
• Presentation by a breast cancer survivor
• Purchase a breast cancer awareness ornament created by Isabel Bloom and have it signed by artist Donna Young
• “Pink Heals” Fire Truck
• Pink-themed selfie station
• Vendor stations
• Creative art by Gilda’s Club Quad Cities
• Refreshments
• 11:55 a.m. Bubble blowing in memory of those we’ve lost and in honor of those fighting breast cancer, followed by final announcements and prize and raffle drawings

The event celebrates breast cancer survivorship, remembers those who died from it and shares information about programs and resources. Gather for the Cure is the primary fundraiser for the Genesis Voucher Program, which has provided no-cost mammograms and ultrasounds to qualifying patients since 2001. Genesis is the voucher program’s administrator. The event helps fill the funding gap created when the Susan G. Komen organization ended their financial support to voucher programs in the Quad-Cities region in 2021.

Since the program began:

• 153 Individuals have accessed the Voucher Program
• 76 Iowa Residents, 77 Illinois Residents
• 8 Patients have received multiple exams covered by the Voucher Program
• 92 Screening mammograms covered
• 35 Diagnostic mammograms covered
• 28 Diagnostic breast ultrasounds covered
• $26,830 Paid out to cover breast health services

“Supporting breast cancer screening means taking a stand for early detection, which is our greatest weapon against this disease,” said Jenny Kitsis, MercyOne Genesis women’s health grant specialist. “By encouraging regular screening, we give women the chance to catch breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and ultimately save lives. Together, we can ensure that more women have access to the care and prevention they deserve.”

“Breast cancer statistics aren’t just numbers-they represent our mothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones. Behind every diagnosis is a person whose life can be saved through early detection and treatment,” she said.

Click here for more about the voucher program.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.