Let me tell you about a woman I know.

Her name is Sharon and she’s forty-five years old. She’s the mother of four children, all of whom she has reared on her own—without complaint. She’s a good mother, supporting her children by working full-time as a receptionist. Unfortunately, Sharon can’t afford health insurance and has no access to preventative care.

One time, she told me, “I worry about my health constantly. It keeps me up at night.” Worried that something might happen to her, she adds, “I want to see my children graduate, I want to provide for them. I want to keep them safe.” My heart went out to her as she told me this.

Then her eyes lit up, as she told me the rest of her story. She said, “By chance, I recently went to a store that was hosting a health fair and the YWCA’s program EncorePlus was there. Because of this chance encounter, I had a free mammogram two weeks ago and will have my first PAP smear in over ten years at the end of this month.”

This was so encouraging because I knew that women in need—women at risk—could find help at the YWCA. Continuing with her story, Sharon said, “Last week I was called because there is something that is suspect in the mammogram. Yes, I am scared. But I also know that early detection is the key. Were it not for the YWCA’s EncorePlus program, it would have been even longer before I got that mammogram. My health is important—for me and for my four children. I have a lot more life to live and love to give. Thanks to the YWCA, I am hopeful that, pending further testing, I will have peace of mind.”

That was quite a story. There are hundreds of stories like that at the Y. It’s what we’re all about, and thanks to the generous donations of supporters like you, we’ll continue to help women like Sharon.

You can count on us—just like Sharon.