It’s time to “Pink Up the Pace!”
Debbie Ellison is glad she did. And she credits her Regions Bank colleagues with supporting her along the way.
Ellison works at a Regions branch in Birmingham, Alabama. But her story resonates with women around the world – because all women are at risk for developing breast cancer, and the risk increases with age. Like many types of cancer, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better your chances of survival.
One of the best ways to catch breast cancer early is by having mammograms every year after age 40.
Ellison’s journey began when she was diagnosed in 2014. She underwent a double mastectomy and credits early detection for her being able to avoid radiation and chemotherapy. Now? Ellison has been cancer-free for nine years!
“I am proud to work for an organization that sponsors events like this,” Ellison shared during the recent “Pink Up the Pace” Run that Regions Bank was proud to sponsor. “I love getting out into the community and reminding women to listen to their doctors and schedule mammograms. I had my Regions team to help me through my reconstruction and my journey. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has hosted the Pink Up the Pace run since 2018. The event has raised over $160,000 to support the BCRFA’s mission. Proceeds have been invested in breast cancer research to help diagnose, prevent, and treat breast cancer across Alabama.
The American Cancer Society says that breast cancer is the second-most diagnosed cancer in women, affecting one in every eight women in the U.S. The goal of screening exams for early breast cancer detection is to identify breast abnormalities as early as possible. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance of survival. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 93% or higher survival rate in the first five years according to the American Cancer Society. That’s why organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama work diligently to fund research and raise awareness about breast cancer and early detection.
For more information on the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama and its initiatives, visit https://www.bcrfa.org/get-involved/.