Woman who missed mammograms for seven years wishes she’d known about Bra-ha-ha

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Robin Goff stepped off the mobile mammography unit with a sense of peace after missing her recommended mammograms for more than seven years.

“I’m self-employed, I didn’t have insurance. … You know, I couldn’t afford the insurance. Didn’t really know that you could get the exam done for free,” Goff said.

While working at the Juneteenth event in Norfolk over the summer something caught her eye. Goff, who sells promotional products, is always looking at logos and was struck by a woman wearing pink pants and a black shirt with a bright pink log. When she mentioned to the woman how long it had been since her last mammogram, the woman whisked Goff off to Chesapeake Regional’s big pink mobile mammography van.

‘We know that early detection saves lives. So that’s what our mission is, is to bring it out to the community, and raise awareness,” Kim Whitaker, Director of Chesapeake Regional’s Jennings Outpatient Center , said.

The mobile unit goes to churches, businesses and other local events. Using the 3D equipment onboard, Whitaker said they are detecting one to two breast cancers a month.

Funds raised through the Bra-ha-ha paid for the mobile unit, which helps up to 400 women every year get mammograms, biopsies and other breast health exams and treatments they cannot afford on their own.

“So raising awareness that the funds are out there and available is extremely important. So, if you know someone who doesn’t have health insurance that needs a mammogram, please call us,” Whitaker said.

“Oh I told everybody,” Goff said while giggling out loud.

She is clearly tickled pink to be healthy and though she recently purchased insurance on the Marketplace, Goff will continue to spread the word about Bra-ha-ha services so other women won’t wait and worry when Bra-ha-ha is here to support.

There are several ways you can support Bra-ha-ha from now through October.

Registration is open now for the 5K which is happening on September 7.
Registration is also open and tickets are on sale for the Bra-ha-ha Awards Show and Auction October 4.

Also, Aug. 26 is the final Cinema Cafe Monday . A portion of each ticket sold at the four local locations participating will benefit Bra Ha Ha.

According to its website, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare has stopped doing walk-in appointments at events. All mammograms must be scheduled by calling 757-312-6400, or by going to our www.ChesapeakeMammo.com , where you can schedule your own appointment.

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