Replacements marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with free mammography program for associates

GREENSBORO, N.C., October 17, 2007 - Velma McBroom is no stranger to the affects of breast cancer.  Her aunt and younger cousin were both diagnosed with the disease; McBroom’s cousin lost her battle to cancer.  Despite this, McBroom never thought about having a mammogram until last year when she decided to take advantage of the free program offered by her employer, Replacements, Ltd. 

“If I had to go by myself, I probably would have never gone,” said McBroom. “I’d heard so many people say things that made it sound scary, so I was really nervous.  But going with people I know made it so much easier, they were there to help me through it and support me and now I’m encouraging every woman to go.”

McBroom and nearly one hundred of her co-workers will climb into limousines and head to Alamance Regional Medical Center today as part of Replacements’ company paid mammography program that is free for female associates.  The company started this program four years ago as part of its corporate wellness initiatives.  Organizers are finding that by making the event convenient and incorporating the added bonus of having friends and coworkers along for encouragement, more women are taking advantage of this potentially lifesaving procedure.  Participation has nearly quadrupled; 25 women went the first year Replacements offered this program, 94 are signed up to take part in this year’s event.

“It is so rewarding to see more and more women taking part in this program every year,” says Jeanine Falcon, Replacements’ vice-president of human resources. “If we can help these ladies detect a condition like breast cancer early, we may be able to prevent a catastrophic illness that is devastating both emotionally and financially.”

“Nearly a dozen of the women signed up to go today have never had a mammogram before,” says Replacements’ occupational nurse Carol Harris. “When they go in groups and have each other for support, it really helps eliminate the fear factor surrounding what is often perceived to be a negative experience. That word of mouth has proven instrumental in growing our program.”

About Replacements, Ltd.

Founded by Bob Page in 1981, Replacements, Ltd. carries the world’s largest selection of old and new china, crystal, silver, and collectibles. Their 415,800 square foot facilities house an inventory of over 277,000 patterns.  Headquartered in Greensboro, NC, Replacements, Ltd. serves more than eight million customers worldwide.

Media Contact:
Lisa Conklin, Public Relations Manager
(800) 737-5223 ext. 2552
(336) 209-0951 mobile
lisa.conklin@replacements.com