Last October, our Albuquerque locations partnered with the YWCA Middle Rio Grande for a joint program called “Putting the Brakes on Breast Cancer.”

As part of the program, we donated a percentage of brake repair sales to help the YWCA pay for breast cancer tests and treatments for local Albuquerque women in need.

We recently received an update from Andrea Nash, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the YWCA Middle Rio Grande.

You can read below how “Putting the Brakes on Breast Cancer” is helping women in Albuquerque.

Dear Brake Masters,

I wanted to keep you posted on how the funds raised through the “Putting the Brakes on Breast Cancer” promotion makes an impact!

This quarter, we helped a 28-year-old woman with multiple breast masses – three of which needed biopsies. Her age prevented her from getting on the state program, so the YWCA paid for her mammogram.

When it came back suspicious, we contacted our partners who helped link her to a breast specialist at the University of New Mexico for a low-cost consultation. She received consultation about her unique medical status, and had a way to follow up after biopsy as well. The biopsies came back benign.  She was so stressed while waiting for the results she lost pounds of weight.

She now is going back to consult so she can understand her results and be followed in the months to come. Not only does she have peace that she does NOT have cancer, but she has a doctor she can talk to and ask questions of, and continue to see. The YWCA will continue to provide her with financial assistance and, when she is able to qualify for another program, with referral.

Sadly, we also helped a 41-year-old woman this quarter who was ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer. After the YWCA helped her with her mammogram, her doctor recommended a breast biopsy. The biopsy came back benign but in the process they found an additional, more suspicious mass that needed excising. This meant going to a hospital for surgical removal.

We are unbelievably sad that she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but thankful that she is able to receive funds to pay for treatment. This funding will be available to her because she was navigated by outreach workers of the YWCA.

Your funding through the Brake Masters participation in the “Putting the Brakes on Breast Cancer” campaign has changed women’s lives.

These women in need now can experience a continuum of services and supports to get needed medical screening and diagnostic tests. Those without breast cancer cannot thank you enough for your help. Those with breast cancer are so appreciative that their cancer is found and treatment is available. They may be battling for their lives but at least they have support systems in place to help them through.

Thank you again for your partnership with our organization.

Andrea Nash

Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

YWCA Middle Rio Grande