Ballad Health Foundation centers women’s health with annual Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser, raising funds to support breast cancer screenings

Women’s health took center stage at Ballad Health Foundation’s annual Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser, which raised $130,000 for women’s health in the Appalachian Highlands.

Held at The Olde Farm in Bristol, the event celebrated survivors of breast cancer, spotlighting them with survivor testimonials while also highlighting recent advancements in women’s health across the region. Participants enjoyed hours of entertainment and exclusive shopping, all while raising money to support breast cancer screening programs.

Ballad Health’s new Mobile 3D Mammography unit was also on-site for participants to tour. Funds raised from Wine Women & Shoes contribute to financial aid programs that help women who are uninsured or underinsured retain access to critical breast cancer screening services. The unit hit the road in late 2024, providing 3D mammograms to patients regardless of their insurance status.

“This weekend was a great opportunity for us to celebrate all the support women’s healthcare receives throughout the year in the Appalachian Highlands,” said Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month might be in October, but our community members remind us that supporting women’s health is always in style.”

In addition to funds collected through previous Wine Women & Shoes events, the Mobile 3D Mammography Unit was also funded through a key partnership between Ballad Health Foundation, United Company Foundation and Mission Mobile Medical. United Company Foundation contributed $750,000 toward the purchase of the unit.

“Getting this unit on the road was an important goal for our organization, and now it’s out in the community saving lives every day,” said Israel O’Quinn, president of The United Company Foundation. “Mammograms are an essential piece of women’s health, and investing in the health of our neighbors is central to our goal at The United Company Foundation.”

Since its inception, Wine Women & Shoes has been committed to spotlighting and raising money for women’s health, including the Mobile 3D Mammography unit. Funds raised at this year’s event will continue supporting women’s services in the region, including financial aid funds that help provide mammograms to women who are underinsured.

The 3D mammography unit travels throughout the Appalachian Highlands, and it can be booked by calling 423-915-5200, and businesses that book the unit can then schedule appointments for their employees. Patients do not need a doctor’s order to receive a mammogram. For more about information, please follow the link for mammography services at Ballad Health.