Nearly 450 women (and men) attended the 15th annual “Lunch with Friends” at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum Convention Center to help raise funds to support the mission of Francine’s Friends — which is to ensure ALL women in northeast Indiana are able to have screening mammography on the Francine’s Friends Mobile Mammography coach, regardless of any barriers.
Linda Jackson, Evening Anchor of Fort Wayne’s NBC and long-time FRIEND, was back on stage as the high energy emcee of the luncheon, sharing stories of FRIENDS, celebrating survivors, capturing moments for social media, and sharing her amazing self.
After the Rev. Dr. William Curry, Chaplain, Parkview Health, offered the invocation, the Heartland Sings instrumental combo, under the direction of pianist and maestro Bob Nance, provided luncheon music before Rebecca Nelson, Lead Genetic Counselor, Parkview Health, took the stage and reminded everyone “Fear You Don’t Own ME!” and then encouraged the audience to sing along to the final verse.
Jackson then welcomed Marita Dwight-Smith, director of Francine’s
Friends Mobile Mammography Program, to the stage. Marita shared a
heartfelt message in the form of a “letter to Francine” — paying tribute
to Francine’s Friends namesake Francine Shubert, who survived two
cancer diagnoses before losing her battle in 2002. “I have so much to
tell you,” shared Dwight-Smith. “You wouldn’t believe what happened —
something extraordinary has taken place in your honor. A group of your
dear friends got together and wanted to do something impactful in your
memory. Something that would serve thousands and change and save lives.
Who knew even 15 years later, your legacy would still carry on stronger
than ever through a mobile mammography program in Allen County and the
surrounding area that goes to where women are and serves those in need
by providing all women in the Fort Wayne area the opportunity to have a
screening mammogram regardless of any barriers or their ability to pay.”
Dwight-Smith
continued to “update” Francine with acknowledgement of this year’s
community partners, event sponsors, bosom buddies, table captains,
third-party supporters, local pink-outs, donors and survivors. “Today
at our “Lunch with Friends” I thank you, Francine, as we celebrate
survivors, each other, our community, moving forward, beauty out of
tragedy, being bold, inspiring others, releasing fears, empowerment,
authenticity, and having courage — all things I know embodied what you
believed in too. Know that there is great love for you here!”
Dwight-Smith concluded.
Dwight-Smith also revealed exciting news —
in early October, 3D mammography was installed on the Francine’s
Friends mobile mammography coach — a revolutionary new screening and
diagnostic tool designed for early breast cancer detection!
Next,
Jackson introduced keynote speaker Donna Packnett, breast cancer
survivor, and champion of cancer patients and fellow cancer survivors.
Packnett shared the ups and downs of her journey from cancer patient to
cancer survivor, the importance of the support of her family and
friends, and how together, as a family, the Packnetts continue to stay
active serving alongside those making strides for cancer, being
advocates, and creating opportunity for Fort Wayne and the surrounding
communities.
DJ Breast Cancer/Podcaster Tina Conrad; Stefani Yudasz, NP, Advanced
Practice Provider, Parkview Physicians Group; and Rebecca Nelson, MS,
CGC, Lead Genetic Counselor, Parkview Health took the stage next for a
roundtable discussion about breast cancer as the survivor and the
daughter of one, breast health and high risk considerations for breast
cancer development, and identifying and managing hereditary cancer
risks.
Jackson then shared a video clip of her recent “photo
bomb” experience during a live remote with the mobile mammography coach
out in the community — which then transformed into a LIVE flash mob!
With the help of Heartland Sings performers and a few “in-the-know”
table captains strategically placed here and there, the room exploded
into “I Will Survive” — much to the delight and surprise of the rest of
the audience.
Jackson closed the luncheon by reminding everyone:
“Together, through YOUR collective generosity, the coach will now take
3D mammography out into Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities – to
businesses, clinics, health fairs, community and rural sites in 11
counties in northeast Indiana – and even more women will be able to take
care of this potentially life-saving screening at their place of work,
on their lunch hour, before they pick up the kids from school, between
errands or while they’re spending a Saturday in the park at a community
event.”
At year 15, Francine’s Friends has funded 16,387
mammograms and screened over 45,000 women (since June 2019) who are
insured, under-insured, or have no insurance.
Donations may still
be made to Francine's Friends to help provide early detection
screenings. The average cost of a 3D mammogram is $180.
Checks should be
made payable to “Francine’s Friends, Inc.” and mailed to: Francine’s
Friends, Inc., c/o Parkview Foundation 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive, Fort
Wayne, IN 46845.
Click here to view the Facebook photo album from this year’s “Lunch With Friends”
