Ellsworth County Medical Center Auxiliary is hosting its first-ever Heartland Harvest Wine Festival from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Ellsworth American Legion Hall.

“The volunteers of our Auxiliary have been working hard to organize this new and exciting event, which is designed to raise funds for a new full-time mammography suite at ECMC,” Tina Davis, director of the hospital’s rural health clinic, said.

“Breast cancer is a disease that has impacted most everyone in our community — a family member, a friend or even oneself — whatever the situation, everyone will likely know someone who has had this disease,” Davis said. “One of the volunteers shared her story of finding a ‘spot’ during one of her routine mammograms, which required additional pictures. But, because the service wasn’t available here in Ellsworth, she had to wait more than a week before getting scheduled at another location.”

The volunteer went on to tell how agonizing that week of waiting was.

“All I could think about was the spot and what if I had cancer,” the volunteer said.

According to the American Cancer Association, one in eight women and one in every 1,000 men will get breast cancer during their lifetime.

“Male breast cancer is becoming more known in the healthcare community, but is not something men usually consider, even after a lump has been detected,” Davis said. “It is extremely important to remember that early detection of breast cancer can save lives.”

Currently, ECMC uses a mobile mammography bus two times a month to provide this service to patients. Davis said the new suite will increase patient access to mammography services, which, when completed, will be offered fulltime in Ellsworth.

“In the story shared above, our volunteer would not have had to wait seven agonizing days — ECMC would have been able to complete the service right away,” Davis said. “The cost of completing the new suite is $200,000, and every dollar raised and donated counts.”

Davis said it’s been amazing to work with such an energetic and positive group of women.

“Over the years, ECMC Auxiliary volunteers have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support medical equipment needs here at ECMC; they are part of our team,” she said. “We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you on Nov. 12 at the Heartland Harvest Wine Festival.”

For more information, visit the Auxiliary’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/ECMCAuxiliary, or to purchase tickets, call (785) 810-1103 and select option 2 for Heartland Harvest.