To the Editor-

This time of the year, we reflect on the year behind us and the year in front of us. It’s a time where I gather my lists and am reminded of those things I have left to do. For many women in our community, one of those items left to do is scheduling their annual mammogram.

Often women neglect scheduling due to fear. This fear comes in many forms. Fear of being able to afford the mammogram. Fear of not having proper insurance. Fear of the results.

One hundred women in our community will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and early detection through annual mammograms can save lives.

Personally working with the Saint Michel’s Foundation I see first-hand how Angel Fund tears down the barriers of fear and financial hurdles. Instead, it builds community, support and the idea that someone in our community cares at that very moment a woman needs support. Eight thousand women received mammograms at Saint Michael’s Hospital last year.

As we think about how we can help others in need, I ask you to support the Angel Fund with a gift to Saint Michael’s Foundation. Each week, two women in our community are diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection helps saves lives. Your gift to the Angel Fund will help a woman in our community get the screening she needs. It could save her life.

If you’d like to support the local Angel Fund, contact 715-343-3259 or make a gift online at ministryhealth.org/smhfoundation.

Michelle Peariso,

Saint Michael’s Foundation Board of Directors, Chair