The month of October has been known as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States since 1985, and this year we at Winston’s Chimney Service are doing our part to contribute as much as possible to the sponsoring charitable organization, the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). We are donating five percent of all of the chimney sweeps we perform during the entire month of October to the NBCF. By scheduling your annual chimney sweeping during October, you are helping us raise money for this important charity. We also encourage you to make your own donation to the NBCF. If you write a check to “National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.” and write “Sweep away breast cancer” in the memo line on the check, we will include it with our check that we will send to the NBCF at the end of the month. We would like to tell you a little bit more about this foundation.
What is the mission of the NBCF?
Founded by breast cancer survivor, Janelle Hail, the NBCF serves to help women all over the world who have been affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. In the United States, one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. With no cure, early detection of this disease is crucial for survival. This is why the National Cancer Institute has recommended that women over the age of 40 should have annual mammogram screenings and that all women should have regular clinical breast exams as these are the most effective ways of detecting breast cancer in its early stages. However, with the costs of healthcare rising and the sizable percentage of uninsured women unable to afford this care, the NCBF provides free mammograms to women in every state in their network of hospitals.
What other services does the NBCF provide to fulfill their mission?
In addition to providing free mammograms to women across the country, the NBCF offers the valuable online resource, Beyond the Shock, to women who have been affected by breast cancer. On this website, women can learn about the disease, ask questions and get answers, and hear real stories from people. Loved ones can also visit the site to get a better understanding of breast cancer, and doctors can share information as well.
The NBCF also partners with Convoy of Hope to educate women about breast cancer and early detection at community outreaches across the country. This truly helps to get the word out about how important regular breast exams and mammograms are to everyone.
Help us fight breast cancer by scheduling your annual chimney sweeping this month. Contact us at Winston’s Chimney Service to learn more about making a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
