Essentia Health is grateful for another generous month of fundraising in conjunction with the annual "Bras on Big 98.7" campaign, which resulted in representatives from Big 98.7, Corwin Automotive and D-S Beverages presenting Essentia with a pair of checks totaling $40,000 this morning ($20,000 apiece from Corwin and D-S Beverages).

The annual October event, now in its 12th year, raises awareness and funds for breast cancer and supports those patients at the Essentia Health Fargo Cancer Center with things like gas cards, lodging vouchers, gift cards for grocery stores and assistance with wig costs.

"It is so amazing what this campaign does," said Susan Omdalen, executive director of the Essentia Health Foundation-West. "Every one of us knows someone that's been affected by cancer. When someone receives that diagnosis, it's overwhelming. With these gifts, we can offer that hope and comfort in a very challenging time in people's lives, and they go directly to patients that we are serving in Fargo-Moorhead and the surrounding communities.

"These dollars absolutely have an impact on our patients."

Corwin Automotive donated $10 for every bra (up to $20,000) that was dropped off at a Corwin location over the past month. D-S Beverages contributed $1 for every case and 10 cents for every draft beer or can of Michelob Ultra and Nutrl Cranberry sold at participating locations.

Mammogram Monday participants

As part of the campaign, every Monday in October — designated Mammogram Monday — features an Essentia Health patient or someone from the Fargo Cancer Center sharing their stories around breast cancer and advice.

This year featured three patients — Lynn, Harriet and Nicole — and the oncology nurse navigator for breast and GI, Andrea Horning.

Listen to Lynn's story

Lynn's advice to other women is to throw all "those big puffs away that you use in the shower" and instead recommends something like a washcloth. She could feel the lump, but her providers were never able to palpate it. A mammogram helped identify it.

"That's my biggest thing, pay attention, throw those puffs away and just be up close and personal with yourself," said Lynn.

Listen to Harriet's story

Harriet's advice to other women is to get comfortable with your body and what's normal for you.

"You have a 3D perspective of your body, and they don't," said Harriet.

Harriet has always been an advocate for mammograms and self-breast exams. "I tell people to check their breasts completely and have that mammogram," she added.

Listen to Nicole's story

To other women who are going through treatment and a breast cancer diagnosis, Nicole emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support.

"I think the hardest thing has been that when I don't feel good, I tend to isolate," admitted Nicole. "I've recently joined some support groups and started counseling, and it's made all the difference for me having that emotional support. Friends and family are great but it's helpful to have those who understand."

Listen to Andrea's story

To the women in our community, Andrea's advice is to get screened.

"If you don't know how, ask somebody; call Essentia and we will walk you through how to do it," she said. "If it's a financial reason, talk to somebody and we will help. There are programs available that can help. Early detection is so important."

Essentia offers comprehensive cancer care services at four cancer centers in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Located at the Essentia Health-South University Clinic, the Fargo Cancer Center is accredited for its Breast Program by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program from the Commission on Cancer. Learn more about the Essentia Health Cancer Center here.