‘Free Mammograms for the Fans’ program returns at Dallas, Las Vegas events
During the month of October, Alexis DeJoria’s fight for the NHRA Mello Yello Funny Car Championship will be outshined by an even greater battle, the fight against breast cancer.
Alexis DeJoria Racing will once again partner with Baylor Health and Nevada Health Care Systems (NVHC) to bring back the popular Free Mammograms for the Fans program. Baylor and NVHC’s mammovans (mobile mammography units) will be on-site Oct. 14-15at the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at the Texas Motorplex and Oct. 28-29 at the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The Free Mammograms for the Fans program, now in its fourth year, allows women over the age of 40 to come out to the Dallas and Las Vegas tracks on an event ticket and receive a free mammogram, regardless of their health insurance status.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime- and the high out-of-pocket cost is cited as the main reason why women forgo mammography screenings.
As one of the few females in the male-dominated motorsports industry, DeJoria felt compelled to lead the charge in the race to end breast cancer.
“The last three years with this program have been incredible,” said DeJoria, driver of the Tequila Patrón Toyota Camry and the most recent Las Vegas Funny Car winner. “Alexis DeJoria Racing is committed to providing free mammograms as long as we are out on the race track. The outpouring of support for this program is astounding.”
“Breast cancer awareness is a subject very dear to our hearts. Early detection is key, and being proactive is the best way to fight this.”
Since the program’s inception in 2013, nearly 350 free mammograms have been provided to female NHRA race fans. After two successful years of bringing NVHC’s mammovan to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the decision was made in 2015 to expand the program to include the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex.
DeJoria can often be found at the mammovans offering support and sharing hugs with women whose nerves may be getting the best of them. She strongly encourages women to take advantage of the opportunity to get screened for free in a fun, stress-free environment.
“Don’t be shy, ladies,” encourages DeJoria. “We’ll all be out there supporting each other. We have a great group of women that come out and operate the mammovans.”
Alexis DeJoria Racing’s Free Mammograms for the Fans program is made possible thanks to generous donations from the Patrón Spirits Company, Toyota, Kalitta Motorsports and DeJoria’s compassionate fanbase, which has supported the program through online charity auctions and personal donations.
“Each year, we work hard to put the word out about this program and the impact has grown every year,” added DeJoria. “The more people that find out about it, the better. Thank you to Patrón, Toyota, Kalitta and all of our amazing fans who continue to purchase items through our online auctions. All of this makes it possible for us to be able to provide, and continue to expand, this potentially life-saving program each year.”
No appointment, insurance or referrals are necessary. Mammograms are awarded on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, please visit www.alexisdejoria.com.