Advancing Breast Cancer Prevention Through Community Partnership: Check for a Lump’s 2025 Impact

laurapentsa
Jan 15
4 min read

At Check for a Lump, our mission has always been rooted in breast cancer awareness, early detection, prevention, and community support. In 2025, that mission reached new heights through an incredible collaborative effort that strengthened access to free mammograms, breast health education, and preventive care for those who need it most.

We are deeply honored to be the recipient of a partnered community health grant alongside Mission of Mercy (MOM) and Diana Gregory’s Fresh Market. This powerful partnership was made possible through the generous support of and Arizona General Hospital – Laveen, funded by the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants Program.

United by Mission: Community Partners Making Breast Health Possible

At the heart of this work is a shared belief that access to care, prevention education, and compassionate support can change lives. This initiative beautifully reflects the aligned missions of three organizations working together to uplift our community:

Check for a Lump strives to reduce the fear and impact of breast cancer through early detection, prevention education, and direct support. By providing breast health education, free mammogram screenings, diagnostic testing, wigs, kits, support, and resources, we ensure that no one has to delay care due to cost or uncertainty. Everything we do is rooted in empowering individuals with knowledge and access, because early detection saves lives.
Mission of Mercy (MOM) is dedicated to providing free primary medical, dental, and specialty care to uninsured and underserved individuals. MOM’s compassionate, patient-centered clinics in South Phoenix and Maryvale serve as trusted healthcare homes for thousands of families. Their commitment to healing through love, with dignity, accessibility, and community wellness makes them an extraordinary partner in delivering life-saving breast cancer screening and medical support.
Diana Gregory’s Fresh Market is driven by a mission to nourish communities by providing access to fresh, healthy food while supporting local growers and food systems. Their involvement brings an essential and joyful layer to this initiative, reinforcing the powerful connection between nutrition, prevention, and long-term health. Access to fresh, wholesome food is prevention in action, and we are thrilled to partner with an organization that makes healthy choices more accessible for all.

Together, these missions create something truly special: a holistic approach to breast cancer prevention that addresses the body, mind, and community.

Gratitude That Overflows

We are filled with gratitude and excitement for the generous support of AZ–St. Joseph’s Hospital and Arizona General Hospital – Laveen, whose investment through the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants Program made these mobile mammography events possible. Because of this support, up to 96 individuals had the opportunity to receive free mammograms, along with education, nutrition guidance, medical support, fresh food, and practical gifts to aid in the preventive lifestyle changes taught during the event. All services were offered at trusted, community-based settings.

We are also incredibly thankful for every partner, healthcare professional, volunteer, and supporter who believes in the power of community health, nonprofit collaboration, and prevention-focused care. This is what it looks like when organizations come together with heart, purpose, and shared vision.

“Thank you so much! I am thrilled and relieved that I will have Check For a Lump's assistance to cover the costs of this potentially life-saving diagnostic test. Thank you for all the work you and your team do to help women receive the tests they need. I am happy to be among them. Thank you so much again from the bottom of my heart.” Carino D.

Looking Ahead With Hope and Excitement

As we celebrate the impact of this 2025 collaboration, we are already looking ahead with great joy and anticipation. In 2026, we will continue this wonderful collaboration with Mission of Mercy (MOM) and Diana Gregory’s Fresh Market through the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants Program.

Additionally, Check for a Lump is honored to continue this momentum through a 2026 grant collaboration with BHHS Legacy Foundation and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. This partnership will once again allow us to offer free mammogram opportunities, expanding access to breast cancer screening and prevention resources for individuals and families across our community.

These partnerships remind us that awareness leads to action, and action saves lives. We are beyond excited for what lies ahead, and deeply grateful to walk this journey alongside partners who believe, as we do, that everyone deserves access to early detection, prevention education, and hope.

Join Us in Spreading Hope

This work is powered by community, and there’s a place for you in it. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, donate to support free mammograms and breast cancer prevention, or simply share this story with someone who may need it, your involvement truly matters.

Every act of generosity helps us expand access to early detection, prevention education, and compassionate support. Together, we can turn awareness into action, fear into empowerment, and hope into lifesaving care.

Volunteer. Donate. Share.

Because when a community comes together, lives are changed.