Dozens receive free mammograms in event hosted by Steelers, sorority

PITTSBURGH — Dozens of women with or without health insurance were able to receive a free 3D mammogram and other health care resources during a two-day event on the North Shore.

PHOTOS: Dozens receive free mammograms in event hosted by Steelers, sorority

“We feel very strongly that early detection offers the woman more options in terms of treatment and that’s why we encourage all women to start getting a mammogram at the age of 40, however a woman can get a baseline mammogram from 35 to 39,” said Emma Lucas-Darby, president of Pittsburgh’s Alpha Alpha Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation’s first Black Greek-lettered sorority, hosted the event with the help of the Steelers. The organization parked its 3D Mobile Mammography screening unit outside of Heinz Field for the event, which took part on May 17 and May 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inside, at the FedEx Great Hall, UPMC helped to offer a health fair where women could receive additional screenings and health guidance.

Women were asked to register for the event, and slots filled up quickly. Some women walked in. Lucas-Darby estimates about 85 women received mammograms. Free transportation was offered to those in need.

“They were very, very nice and guided me,” said mammogram recipient Cindy Capurso.

Breast cancer survivors were present at the event, too, including sorority member Shawnika Hunt, who helped to put the pieces together for the event.

“The city really needs this,” Hunt said. “I hope it doesn’t just stop here with the Pittsburgh Steelers and this health fair. I pray that it continues further along.”

Lucas-Darby told us that there will be follow-up efforts for any woman whose screening revealed something abnormal.

“We are not going to allow any woman who has an irregular screening to go without getting the follow-up and the treatment that she would need,” Lucas-Darby said.

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