ORLANDO, Fla. – 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
Channel 9 host Nancy Alvarez shared her personal battle with cancer three weeks ago.
“During my annual mammogram a few weeks ago, a very small tumor was found in my right breast. It turned out to be cancer, ”Álvarez said.
Watch: Nancy Alvarez Reveals Early Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Shares Importance of Annual Mammogram Appointment
But it wasn’t just an announcement, it was also a call to action.
“If you put off having a mammogram because of the pandemic or because you’re busy or because you don’t have insurance, make your appointment today,” Alvarez said. “There are resources available to help you.”
And their call to action was heard.
“When she was diagnosed, we were impressed,” said Robin Maynard-Harris, founder of Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation. “And when he made that announcement, our phones exploded. I mean explode. We were not prepared.
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In the middle of the Channel 9 interview with Maynard-Harris, a woman asked for help getting a biopsy because she had seen Nancy’s ad and social media posts.
Libby’s Legacy now needs additional volunteers after calls tripled in recent weeks.
Most importantly, during that time, more than 100 underserved and uninsured women in Central Florida have signed up for mammograms or breast health services.
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“We do not reject anyone. We have never turned anyone away, “he said.
That compassion and motivation to help save lives stem from Robin’s personal experience of losing his mother, Libby Maynard, who died of cancer in 2005.
While much has changed over the years, one thing has remained constant in the fight against breast cancer: the importance of early detection.
See the full report in the video above.
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