‘Don’t Worry About the Cost’: Free Mammogram Through Project PINK Saves Charlotte Woman’s Life
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When Kathey Dailey first walked into an emergency room last year with stomach pain, she never imagined the visit would lead to a life-changing cancer diagnosis. What began as a routine check turned into a discovery that she had breast cancer, found thanks to a free mammogram through Project PINK, a program by Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Charlotte Radiology that provides no-cost screenings to uninsured women.
A Shocking Diagnosis
Dailey, 59, said doctors initially suspected uterine cancer, but further testing revealed her true diagnosis after she was directed to get a mammogram.
“I was 59 years old and had never had a mammogram,” Dailey said. “I was nervous and worried about how I’d pay for it. That’s when Project PINK stepped in and told me not to worry about the cost.”
Two days after her screening, Dailey received the call confirming she had breast cancer. “I just started crying. My husband was terrified, and my daughter was in tears. It felt like everything stopped,” she said.
Project PINK’s Life-Saving Mission
The Project PINK initiative provides free 3D mammograms and follow-up care—including diagnostic screenings, ultrasounds, and biopsies—to women who lack insurance. The program also offers nurse navigators who guide patients through treatment.
Dailey said the team was with her every step of the way. “I can call anyone, anytime, and they ask, ‘What can I help you with? What do you need?’” she said. “They saved my life.”
Fighting Through Stage 4 Breast Cancer
Dailey is now living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, but she says she’s still fighting strong. “The first few months of chemo were rough. There were days I couldn’t get off the couch,” she recalled. “But I’m thriving because I have a lot to fight for — my granddaughter, Avery. She’s my why.”
Encouraging Others to Get Screened
Dailey hopes her story inspires others to get their mammograms early, especially women without insurance.
“Get it as soon as you can,” she urged. “Don’t worry about the cost. Worry about finding it early and getting good treatment. The mammogram saved my life.”
How to Support Project PINK
The program relies on community donations to fund screening and treatment support.
- $250 – provides one woman with a free 3D mammogram
- $500 – provides two mammograms
- $1,000 – covers follow-up diagnostic care, including ultrasound and biopsy
- $5,000 – provides 20 free mammograms
- $15,000 – funds a full local screening day for 40 women
The next Project PINK mobile screening event will take place Thursday, October 9, at WBTV’s visitor parking lot in Charlotte. Appointments are already full, but future events are available by texting 980-214-5238.
Have you benefited from local cancer awareness programs like Project PINK? Share your story and learn how to help others access life-saving screenings at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
